EVOLUTION OF NETSPEAK IN DIGCOM: INTERPRETING MEANINGS BEYOND WORDS

Abstract

The evolution of Netspeak reflects a dynamic shift in how people convey meaning in online spaces. Emerging from early internet forums and chat rooms, Netspeak has developed into a rich linguistic system characterized by abbreviations, emojis, memes, hashtags, and nonstandard grammar. This evolution demonstrates how users adapt language to fit the constraints and opportunities of digital platforms, enhancing expressiveness, identity, and community. Crucially, meaning in Netspeak often transcends the literal words, relying heavily on context, shared cultural references, and visual elements. The current study explores the trajectory of Netspeak, its socio-linguistic significance, and the ways digital users interpret layered meanings, humor, and tone beyond conventional syntax. Researchers adopted exploratory framework as method of investigation and interpretation in this study. Findings indicate that understanding this linguistic shift regarding netspeak is essential for decoding modern communication patterns and fostering digital literacy amond students and common masses.