THE OUTLINE OF CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH AND UKRAINIAN СOMPUTER SLANG LEXICON

Abstract

This article addresses computer English and Ukrainian computer slang as a lexical subsystem evoked to provide the Internet community with effective communication means. Slang lexicon fulfills a number of functions depending on the contextual features, level of professionalism of language users and their interest. Although it is argued by some scholars that slang words rarely undergo semantic changes, it has been revealed that in the process of adaptation in the target language lexical and grammatical transformations typically occur in computer slang. In particular, English computer slang words are adapted to the Ukrainian reality through the process of clipping, blending, adding inflections, conceptual metaphor and other figurative transfers of meaning. Interestingly, it is common for new forms to acquire connotations which are not found in the original language. Ridiculous associations help users to quickly connect the form and denotative meaning of a slang lexeme in question. The sources of computer slang formation include calque, telescopy, phonetic mimicry and translation. The knowledge of language community can significantly simplify the identification of hidden senses and related connotations in other similar words. Stratification of slang is a difficult task as well as its software implementation in online dictionary developments. The limitations of this research are related to complexity of establishing concise etymology and trace all relevant contextual features of slang units in the process of quickly evolving computer mediated communication.