UKRAINIAN PROVERBS AND ANTI-PROVERBS AS ELEMENTS OF MEMES
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Abstract
Introduction. This article is devoted to a relatively new phenomenon in the media space –the Internet meme, which is a unit of information that spreads from one native speaker to another, like a virus. The topicality of the research is determined by the increased interest in the function of the Ukrainian language on the Internet, new strategic possibilities of communication in the modern polydiscursive world.
Owing to new ways of communication, various linguistic units arise, knowing them means the possibility to
fully communicate with other network users both on the Internet and outside of it.
The purpose. The purpose of the article is to analyze the peculiarities of the interaction between the verbal text and the visual component in Internet memes built on the basis of Ukrainian proverbs and antiproverbs.
The methods include random sampling technique and discourse analysis.
Main results of the study. The article examines Ukrainian proverbs as elements of Internet memes, analyzes the tactics of interaction between verbal text and images. Based on the use of popular Internet memes, we established patterns of their development and distribution, as well as factors affecting their success and popularity. Proverbs as components of memes reflect their inherent specific humor and nonconformity. They often have a negative and provocative tone, which makes them easier to remember.
Originality. The study shows that a large number of proverbs can be found in internet memes.
Proverbs perform several important functions, acting as a means to initiate a humorous effect, establish a dialogue with the reader, convey subtext or establish an intellectual game. The study demonstrates that
proverbs are related to the cognitive domain, as they form a cognitive field that includes different speakers.
In summary, proverbs play an important role in Internet memes, which is justified by the high frequency and
variety of representation in Internet memes.
Conclusions and specific suggestions of the author. The conclusion is made about the nature of the Internet meme, which is based on a precedent phenomenon, and the functions that the Internet meme performs. As Internet memes themselves lack any deep meaning, they fulfill their major purpose by referring a linguistic personality to the relevant information accessible to a certain reference group. The more important the information is, the more likely the meme is to become truly popular.
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