Russian Speech in Digital Communication: Lexical, Grammatical and Stylistic Features
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive study of the lexical, grammatical, and stylistic features of the Russian language as it functions within digital communication. Social networks, instant messaging apps, online forums, email, and collaborative platforms have become significant spaces for contemporary verbal interaction. In the digital environment, written communication often takes on characteristics of spoken, conversational language; the choice of linguistic resources is determined by the communicative goal, the nature of the addressee, the type of interaction, and the level of formality. The article aims to systematize the primary linguistic processes characteristic of Russian in digital communication and to identify the conditions under which they occur. The study examines lexical innovations, the spread of loanwords, the formation of new terms, semantic shifts in existing vocabulary, and the increased use of word-formation patterns. Particular attention is paid to the “conversationalization” of written text - the use of incomplete sentences, brief remarks, and elliptical constructions that facilitate linguistic economy. Also analyzed are the graphic devices used to convey emotional meaning, such as emojis, repeated letters, the use of all-caps, ellipses, and non-standard punctuation. It is noted that while such tools expand the expressive potential of written communication, their interpretation remains dependent on the context and the communicative expectations of the participants. A distinct aspect of the research concerns the relationship between linguistic norms, variability, and stylistic appropriateness. The study argues for the necessity of distinguishing between intentional conversational forms, acceptable linguistic variants, and actual errors. It is pointed out that the prevalence of a new term in online communication does not, in itself, indicate its integration into the standard literary language. Determining the status of a linguistic unit requires an assessment of the stability of its meaning, its collocational patterns, its frequency across various types of texts, and evidence from lexicographical sources. The article also examines the methodological principles for studying internet discourse: defining the boundaries of the material under investigation, distinguishing between observation and interpretation, accounting for the temporal factor, and adhering to ethical standards when working with digital texts. In conclusion, it is noted that digital communication contributes to the renewal of the Russian lexicon, the intensification of word-formation processes, the spread of colloquial structures, and the development of graphic means for expressing emotions. At the same time, these changes do not constitute a single, universal “internet grammar”, as linguistic choices depend on the genre, the intended recipient, the purpose of the message, and its degree of publicity. An effective study of Russian discourse in a digital environment requires a combination of the systematic description of linguistic phenomena, contextual analysis, and the use of reliable linguistic data. Such an approach allows for an objective assessment of contemporary speech trends and helps determine the conditions under which they function in terms of norms and style.
Author: Hajiyeva N.
Language: English
Subfield: Linguistics and Language
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225656368