This document discusses internet memes, including what they are, how they spread virally, and their impact on language and communication. It defines memes as cultural ideas that are shared widely online through images, videos, hashtags or phrases. Memes can include photo captions, stock characters with specific meanings, or repurposed historical art. The document suggests memes are part of everyday life and influence how English is used, through changes to grammar, vocabulary, and slang. Examples provided include image macros and a meme using archaic language to set rap lyrics to popular music.

1. Nina Jerončič
Something old, something
new, something borrowed:
Internet memes

2. What is a meme?
• Richard Dawkins
> how cultural information
spreads
• catchphrases, melodies, fashio
n
Photo by: David Shankbone
https://flic.kr/p/8FauMM

3. Internet memes
• image
• video
• website
• hashtag
• word / phrase
• misuse of grammar / spelling
• spreading virally
• anybody can make them
Photo by: Kris Olin
https://flic.kr/p/ect2G3

4. Why should we care?
• English is changing
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Communication
• Part of the every-day life
• knowyourmeme.com

5. Images
• The most common
• Captioned
• Stock character
• Specific meaning
• Specific context
Source: http://i3.kym-
cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/549/199
/1ee.jpg

6. Archaic Rap / Joseph Ducreux

7. Why use this?
• Motivational (Internet + popular music)
• Vocabulary – less frequent words, synonyms,
paraphrasing
• Lyrics help with understanding words
• Easier to remember
• Creativity, thinking outside the box
• Using a dictionary/thesaurus
• Little preparation > filler exercise, substituting
• Competitions, blogs
• Teenagers > young adults

8. Creating memes

9. Thank you!