Contemporary Lexical Typologies and Lexical Change in Digital Discourse

Abstract: The English language, a dynamic system constantly evolving, has experienced significant semantic shifts in the 21st century due to the rise of social media. The rapid lexical changes driven mainly by social media challenge linguistic clarity, creating a distinct communication gap among English speakers. This study aims to systematically examine and classify these modern changes by applying classical semantic typologies (Broadening, Narrowing, Amelioration, Deterioration, Blending, and Coinage) to the fast-paced emergence of neologisms in the English vocabulary. The quick appearance of new words and changing meanings (polysemy) on social media platforms leads to misunderstandings, especially for older generations and language learners. Using a mixed-method approach, a Google Form questionnaire with comprehension exercises was given to 60 educated adults, complemented by systematic observation of platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp to compile a list of over 15 popular neologisms. Key findings show that social media acts as a catalyst, speeding up these processes for functional needs such as identity creation and emotional expression. The study concludes with proposals focusing on linguistic education and cross-generational awareness to reduce communication friction and foster linguistic inclusivity.