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The Rise of Arab Influencers: Identity and Language in Cyberspace
Abstract
This research paper explores the rise of Arab influencers and the impact of new forms of digital social media on Arab society. In recent years, Arab influencers have gained prominence as a new cultural phenomenon with far-reaching social, cultural, and linguistic implications. The study draws on data from influencers in six Arab countries and explores how their rise is reshaping the media landscape, cultural norms, and linguistic practices in the region. The paper sheds light on the various factors that have contributed to the rise of Arab influencers, such as increased access to social media platforms, changing consumer behavior, and the growing desire for relatable and authentic content. One of the key findings of the study is that Arab influencers are creating a new cultural and linguistic identity that reflects the unique and diverse experiences of the region. Furthermore, the study highlights the social and linguistic implications of the rise of Arab influencers as mediators of change. Social media has created a new space for Arab youth to express themselves and connect with global trends. This has led to the development of a new Arab digital vernacular that reflects the fusion of Arabic and English languages and the cultural/linguistic struggles of the “glocal” dilemma. A careful analysis of language choices and characteristics of communication on various social media platforms sheds more light on similarities as well as idiosyncratic styles of multi-modal content produced by Arab influencers. The analysis takes into consideration various levels, including content analysis of the main themes and linguistic analysis of the corpus (text, use of emojis, use of hashtags, etc.) The study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the culture and language of Arab influencers and a greater recognition of their role in representing Arab identity in cyberspace.
Discipline
Linguistics
Geographic Area
Arab States
Sub Area
None