DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND THE EVOLUTION OF METAPHORICAL LANGUAGE
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Abstract
This article explores the transformative impact of digital communication on the structure, function, and evolution of metaphorical language in modern English. As human interaction increasingly shifts to virtual platforms—social media, instant messaging, and digital forums—the traditional boundaries of metaphorical expression are being redefined. The study employs the framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) to analyze how technological source domains (e.g., the cloud, viral, streaming, interface) are being mapped onto abstract human experiences. Furthermore, the article investigates the rise of "multimodal metaphors," where linguistic expressions merge with visual elements such as emojis, memes, and GIFs to create complex cognitive blends. The findings suggest that digital communication accelerates the "death" of some metaphors while facilitating the rapid birth of others, leading to a more transient, visually-oriented, and technology-driven metaphorical landscape. The evolution of these metaphors reflects a deeper cognitive shift in how 21st-century speakers conceptualize reality, time, and social connectivity.
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References
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