The rapid expansion of digital communication has transformed how individuals engage in language use, shaping both academic and social interactions. This study explores the intersection of digital linguistics and online communication, focusing on how students from a state university and a private school in Northern Mindanao navigate digital discourse in academic and informal online spaces. Specifically, it examines linguistic patterns, code-switching behavior, and discourse strategies employed by students in virtual classrooms, social media, and online messaging platforms. Using a mixed ethnographic approach, including digital discourse analysis, participant observations, and semi-structured interviews, this study seeks to answer: (1) How do students adapt their linguistic practices across different online platforms? (2) What are the key digital communication strategies influencing language learning and social interaction? Purposive sampling was utilized to select 50 respondents from each university, ensuring a representative sample of students actively engaged in online communication. Findings reveal that students exhibit context-dependent language shifts, adaptive multimodal communication, and creative lexical innovations when engaging in online discourse. The study also highlights how emojis, memes, and abbreviations function as integral elements of digital language, influencing meaning-making and engagement in virtual spaces. This research contributes to language education and digital literacy by emphasizing the need for integrating digital communication strategies into academic curricula to enhance students' online discourse competence. The findings provide insights for educators, linguists, and digital communication researchers on fostering effective and inclusive online communication in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Authors:
Charito Ong, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Philippines
Sterling Ong, Capitol University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Charito Ong is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Philippines

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark