THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ENGLISH ACCENT VARIATION AMONG YOUNG SPEAKERS

Sulaymonova Nilufar Kamilovna

Associate Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages at Alfraganus University, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philological Sciences

Anvarova Nargiza O‘ktamjonovna

Master’s Student, Alfraganus University

Keywords: social media, English accent variation, phonetic adaptation, pronunciation, young speakers, sociophonetics, digital communication, American English, British English, phonetic variation, accent imitation, online communication

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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of social media on English accent variation among young speakers in the context of modern digital communication. The research focuses on how continuous exposure to English-language content on social media platforms influences pronunciation patterns, accent preferences, and phonetic adaptation among university students. The study employs a mixed-method research approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. Data were collected through questionnaires, pronunciation recordings, and comparative phonetic analysis. The findings reveal that platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram significantly influence the pronunciation habits of young English learners. The results demonstrate that many participants adopt pronunciation features associated with American English due to frequent exposure to digital media content. The study also identifies noticeable changes in vowel pronunciation, consonant realization, stress patterns, and intonation. Furthermore, the research highlights the role of social media in accelerating phonetic adaptation, accent imitation, and the emergence of hybrid pronunciation patterns. The findings contribute to the fields of Sociophonetics, Phonetics, and digital linguistics by demonstrating the growing influence of online communication on contemporary English pronunciation among young speakers.

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