Keywords
Abstract
Social media platforms have fundamentally altered the nature of language use, particularly through the rapid emergence and evolution of slang. This article examines the unique difficulties faced by modern translators when working with slang originating from platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and regional applications in non-English-speaking regions. Drawing on an original analysis of over 30,000 user-generated posts from Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan) and Southeast Asia (Indonesia), collected between January 2024 and November 2025, the study reveals that conventional translation methods fail to capture the contextual, cultural, and temporal dimensions of digital slang. Key challenges include script variation, multimodal expression, cultural specificity, and extreme ephemerality. The analysis highlights previously undocumented patterns, such as the widespread use of hybrid orthographic systems and the integration of audio-visual elements into meaning-making. The article concludes with practical recommendations for translator training programs, emphasizing the need for continuous exposure to live digital discourse, community collaboration, and adaptive strategies that prioritize cultural equivalence over literal accuracy.
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