Preserving language through digital neologisms

a study of word-formation processes in the digital age

Abstract

This paper examines the role of neologisms in preserving linguistic knowledge, focusing on how digital platforms, particularly social media, contribute to the creation, dissemination, and preservation of these terms in the digital age. By analysing trending neologisms and the word processes by which they are formed, this study highlights the potential of digital media to safeguard language and facilitate its future retrieval. The creation of neologisms has become a crucial aspect of modern language development, reflecting the changing needs of communication in the digital age. While the phenomenon of neologism formation is not new to English, the advent of the internet and digital devices has accelerated the process, fostering an environment where new terms are coined rapidly to address the lack of linguistic knowledge for emerging technologies, cultural shifts, and societal changes. Data were collected from the web to explore both established and context-specific neologisms, providing insights into their usage across different digital environments. The onomasiological theory of word formation serves as the theoretical framework for understanding how these new words are created and evolve in the digital age. The findings suggest that social media platforms, such as Facebook, play a significant role in not only preserving but also enabling the retrieval of linguistic knowledge, thereby contributing to the digital preservation of language for future generations.