Sociopragmatic Analysis of the Communication Style of Social

Network Users

Shahlo Shukhratovna Khasanova

Navoi Innovations University, Navoi, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Emoticon, Selfie, Avatar, Vkontakte, Relfie, Block Post, Addressee, Pragmatics, Users, Post, Repost,

Followers, Feed.

Abstract: This article, conceived amidst the backdrop of the international conference "Science, Technology, and

Innovation," sets out to offer a fresh perspective on the global linguistic landscape. Focused on exploring the

intricacies of communication within social networks, the study delves into the nuances of linguopragmatic

and linguocultural dimensions. Utilizing cross-cultural analytic methods and the theory of speech actions, the

research illuminates the diverse communication patterns observed among users of these platforms. By

dissecting these interactions, the article aims to uncover underlying cultural and pragmatic factors that shape

digital discourse. Through this multidimensional approach, it seeks to enrich our understanding of how

language functions within the ever-evolving realm of social media, shedding light on the complexities of

modern communication in an interconnected world.

1 INTRODUCTION

This introduction offers an overview of pragmatic and

communicative studies focusing on Internet

communication within social networks. Emphasizing

a system-functional approach, the analysis centres on

the language used within these platforms. Pragmatics,

a relatively new field within linguistics, delves into

human speech actions, verbal and nonverbal

communication methods, their placement within

speech acts, and their communicative impact.

Linguistic communication explores the interactions

between speakers and listeners through spoken

language. The socio-pragmatic communication

strategy is scrutinized, alongside its historical context

and societal implications.

The communication situation structure consists of

the speaker, listener, and their interaction, influenced

by eight factors: communication tone, aim, methods,

mode, and location, all context-dependent.

Alterations in these elements reshape the

communicative environment, affecting participants'

tools and styles. Social media functions as a "second

reality," offering a richer and more personal

communication experience compared to traditional

platforms like forums and email.

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Paul and Julie Amador highlight the role of social

media in academic advising, with students using

platforms like Facebook to connect with advisers and

peers. Bicen and Cavus' 2011 study indicates that

students frequently utilise Facebook for academic

communication, enhancing their communication

skills. They suggest further research to integrate

Facebook into learning environments. Delgado

Ortega notes Facebook's positive impact on team

building and student performance, while Falaha and

Rosmala's 2012 study acknowledges both limitations

and benefits of social media in higher education.

Despite some institutions restricting access, teachers

are encouraged to explore effective ways to leverage

social media for educational purposes.

3 ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION

The widespread use of abbreviations and emoticons

in social network communication significantly

impacts linguistics and introduces new terminology

into the culture of online interaction. Emoticons, such

as smiling faces or images representing emotions,

have become integral to communication on platforms

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Khasanova, S.

Sociopragmatic Analysis of the Communication Style of Social Network Users.

DOI: 10.5220/0012951700003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 1054-1056

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

like VKontakte, where users have access to over 530

emoticons. These emoticons can be categorised into

six types, including faces, people, nature, food,

objects, and characters, evolving beyond simple icons

to ideograms with distinct characteristics like

recognisability and loneliness.

A study involving 100 participants aged 20 to 77

revealed varying levels of familiarity with social

network terminology. While active users

demonstrated near-perfect understanding of phrases

like avatar and like, non-users or those with limited

exposure showed lower comprehension rates,

particularly for terms like public and feed. These

findings suggest that familiarity with social network

communication influences individuals' ability to

understand and engage in online interactions,

highlighting disparities in cognitive backgrounds and

experiences.

The pragmatic aspects of social network

communication are closely tied to users' goals and the

technical features of platforms. Social networks serve

multiple purposes beyond discussion, including self-

promotion, entertainment, and information

dissemination, facilitated by features like likes and

reposts. Likes, often perceived as indicators of

approval, can influence users' emotions and self-

esteem, while reposts facilitate the spread of

information and establish connections between

platforms. Additionally, selfies and relfies have

become popular forms of self-expression,

contributing to the evolving language of social

networks.

The adoption of social network communication

has led to the emergence of new language

conventions and practices. Abbreviations and

acronyms, commonly used to condense messages and

convey tone or emotion, have become pervasive in

online interactions. These linguistic innovations

reflect the informal and fast-paced nature of social

network communication, where brevity and

immediacy are valued. Moreover, the use of

emoticons adds a visual dimension to text-based

communication, enabling users to express emotions

and convey meaning more effectively.

An analysis of emoticons reveals their diverse

categories and functions within social network

communication. Faces emoticons, for example,

depict a range of emotions such as pleasure, laughter,

hate, grief, and surprise, enhancing the

expressiveness of online interactions. Similarly,

emoticons representing people, nature, food, objects,

and characters provide users with a rich visual

vocabulary to communicate ideas and sentiments.

Emoticons have evolved beyond mere icons to

ideograms with recognisable meanings, contributing

to the development of a visual language unique to

social networks.

The study conducted with 100 participants aimed

to assess the understanding of social network

terminology among different user groups.

Participants were categorised based on their level of

engagement with social media, ranging from

confident and engaged users to those with no

comprehension of social networks. Results indicated

that active users demonstrated a high level of

familiarity with terms like avatar, like, and selfie,

while non-users or those with limited exposure

struggled to understand concepts like feed and repost.

These findings underscore the influence of social

network experience on language comprehension and

usage.

The pragmatic aspects of social network

communication encompass both users' goals and the

technical features of platforms. Social networks offer

various functionalities, including interactive

communication, simplified friend connections, and

nonverbal means of expression, shaping the dynamics

of online interaction. Users utilise social networks for

diverse purposes, including communication, self-

promotion, entertainment, and information sharing,

leveraging platform features to achieve their

objectives. The evolving nature of social networks

and their technical capabilities continue to influence

language use and communication patterns among

users.

As social networks evolve and adapt to users'

needs, new technical options and functionalities

emerge to enhance online communication.

Modernisation of social networking tools, integration

of mobile devices with internet connectivity and

cameras, and other technological advancements

shape the characteristics of network communication.

These technical capabilities are reflected in the

language used on social networks, with new terms

and expressions emerging to describe evolving

features and practices. The language of social

networks continues to evolve in response to

technological advancements and user preferences,

shaping the way people communicate and interact

online.

4 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the evolution of technology continues

to shape the language and culture of social network

communication, introducing new terms and concepts

into our lexicon. This phenomenon is not merely

Sociopragmatic Analysis of the Communication Style of Social Network Users

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linguistic but reflects a broader cultural shift, as social

networks become integral to both personal and

professional interactions. Our study highlights the

distinct communication styles of individuals

comfortable with social media and those less familiar

with it, underscoring the importance of technological

literacy in today's digital age.

Furthermore, social network communication

presents a rich area for linguistic research, mirroring

the rapid advancements in high technology. While we

marvel at the innovative capabilities of the modern

world, it's essential to remember the inherent value of

human connection. While no digital device can fully

replicate the warmth of a hug or the sincerity of a

smile, the Internet has expanded our capacity for

communication and connection, bridging

geographical divides and enabling instant interaction

across the globe. As we navigate the ever-changing

landscape of digital communication, let us not lose

sight of the fundamental human need for genuine

connection and understanding

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