| dc.description.abstract | This thesis aims to explore the manner in which English slang lexical blends are formed and used in computer-mediated communication. The focus is particularly on how blends are used on the social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit. Portmanteau words, also referred to as lexical blends, are a common process by which new words are formed and introduced into a language, particularly regarding slang. The introduction of the Internet and its growing availability has acted as a catalyst for the introduction of new slang words to the English language, especially since language usage on the Internet is not moderated in the same way that printed texts have previously been. This allows linguists to study the changes in word creation and word formation as it is progressing, using the tools that have thus far been unavailable.
Since there is a lack of consensus among linguists, this thesis explores the various definitions of the term ‘blend’. While substantial research efforts have been made to categorize and systematize blends, the blends that appear online and enter colloquial exchanges are hardly ever formally recorded and analyzed in detail. The aim of the study is to conduct a thorough investigation of online dictionaries and sources for lexical blends, and 220 of them are assembled in a list in the appendix. These were analyzed in terms of the formation process according to Lehrer's taxonomy. The investigation consists of 12 highlighted examples analyzed in-depth, which are classified as the ‘final sample’. The ‘final sample’ showcases the variety of different blend structures, domains and social media sources (Facebook, Twitter, Reddit) that have been consulted.
Blends online are typically formed via merging of two words into one single word, usually with some degree of overlap. It is also common to create online slang blends from words that are already in slang usage. The thesis also concludes with the three main motivating factors as to why language users create new blends, recognizing the most commonly used online domains for lexical blend proliferation, and the potential of these domains to inspire further blend proliferation. These factors include effectiveness, or blends that are used online for the sake of quick delivery of information or for a quick punchline in humorous exchanges. The second factor listed is creativity and entertainment, the difference being that creativity is an aspect most commonly user-generated, while entertainment is more likely to be mass-produced for vast audiences. The final factor is the creation of identity online, or establishing a brand, which is commonly done by constructing a blend that would attract attention and serve the purpose of further distinguishing one’s online presence. | |
