MEDIA, ENGLISH, AND IDENTITY: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ENGLISH IN REFRAMING UZBEK CULTURAL PRACTICES

Abstract

This thesis explores the dynamic relationship between English usage on social media platforms and the reshaping of Uzbek cultural identity. With the increasing global influence of English and the pervasive role of digital media, language choice has become a crucial factor in expressing identity and belonging. By examining the ways Uzbek speakers integrate English in online communication, this research seeks to uncover how linguistic hybridity reflects evolving cultural values, aspirations, and global orientations. The study combines linguistic, sociocultural, and ethnographic perspectives to demonstrate that English not only facilitates global participation but also contributes to the creation of hybrid, modern Uzbek identities.