PARALINGUISTIC VARIATION IN UZBEK SOCIAL MEDIA DISCOURSE: A STUDY OF DIGITAL LANGUAGE CHANGE.

Abstract

The accelerated development of digital communication has brought about substantial shifts in language practices across various linguistic communities. This paper explores paralinguistic variation in Uzbek social media discourse, with a particular focus on how non-verbal textual elements contribute to linguistic transformation in online settings. The study examines the use of emojis, expressive punctuation, and orthographic variation in Uzbek Telegram and Instagram interactions. Employing a qualitative discourse-analytic framework, the findings demonstrate that paralinguistic features function as significant resources for expressing affect, structuring interpersonal communication, and enhancing pragmatic interpretation. The results suggest that digital communication environments are actively reshaping established norms of the Uzbek language, promoting increased variability and creative linguistic practices.