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(Please note that PDF/printing is not 'officially supported' by the instructor, and the results may be very strange in places) --- ### Handout Mode - You can also turn slides into a handout by adding "_handout" before .html --- # Linguistics 42: The Linguistics of the Internet ### Dr. Will Styler --- ### Today's Plan - Introductions - Why do this? - What's Will's problem? - How are we doing this? - Our roles - Our plan --- ## Introductions --- ## Dr. Will Styler Teaching Professor, Linguist, Gigantic Nerd <img class="r-stretch" src="people/will.jpg" alt="will.png The image features a medium shot of a light-skinned man centered in the frame against a blue background. He has a shaved head and a short, dark beard that covers his chin and jawline, with a small patch of hair on his upper lip (a goatee). He is smiling widely, showing his teeth. He is wearing a black collared shirt. On the left side of his chest, there is a small, rectangular logo that reads Columbia in white text. His hands are raised to his chest level, and he is giving two thumbs up. On his left wrist, he wears a silver watch with a round white face and a bright green band. He also wears a dark-colored ring on the ring finger of his left hand. The background appears to be a composite image. The area behind him is a solid teal-blue color. To the right side of the frame, there is a large, modern building structure visible. It features angled concrete supports and glass windows, resembling a brutalist architectural style. To the far left, there are blurry shapes that look like trees or bushes, also tinted blue. There is a slight green outline around the man's silhouette, suggesting he was cut out from another photo using a green screen effect. This description was generated automatically. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- ## Lexi Ricasata --- ## Why do this? --- ### I watched memes develop into their modern form on the Internet - We went from text, to 'reaction images' and comics, to 'image macros', to the modern meme - I was an early denizen of many of the early internet meme sites - IRC, Something Awful, Fark, YTMND, 4Chan*, eBaumsWorld, and more - 4Chan wasn't always what it is today - ... but it always kind of was. Yikes. --- ### I started in the LolCat Era --- <img class="r-stretch" src="humorimg/orly.jpg" alt="orly.jpg The image features a close-up view of an owl with predominantly white feathers. The owl's eyes are large and yellow with black pupils, giving it a striking appearance. Its beak is short and curved, colored in shades of pinkish-red. The background is completely dark, which makes the owl stand out prominently. At the bottom of the image, there is text that reads O RLY? in bold white letters against the dark backdrop. This phrase is often used as a humorous or sarcastic expression to question something's truthfulness or validity. The owl appears to be in focus and centered within the frame, suggesting it might have been taken with a macro lens for close-up photography. The overall composition of the image emphasizes the owl’s facial features and the text overlay. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="humorimg/omg.jpg" alt="omg.jpg The image shows an owl inside a blue plastic container that appears to be part of a cage. The owl has large, round eyes with prominent pupils, giving it a wide-eyed appearance. Its feathers are primarily dark gray and black, with some lighter shades on its chest area. The owl's beak is short and sharp, colored in a light brown or tan hue. The container the owl is sitting in seems to have a blue base and sides, possibly made of plastic. There appears to be some food or debris inside the container near the owl’s feet. The background suggests that this setup might be indoors, as there are no visible natural elements like trees or sky. In the bottom left corner of the image, large white letters spell out OMG, which is an acronym often used for Oh My God and is typically associated with expressions of surprise or excitement. The owl's expression appears to convey a sense of surprise or shock, as indicated by its wide eyes and slightly open beak. The overall setting suggests that the owl might have been captured in this container for some reason, possibly for rescue, rehabilitation, or transport. There are no other people or characters visible in the image; it focuses solely on the owl inside the container. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="humorimg/serious_cat.jpg" alt="seriouscat.jpg The image features a white cat with greenish-yellow eyes sitting in front of an open laptop computer. The cat appears to be looking directly at the camera with a somewhat serious expression. Its fur is predominantly white, and it has prominent whiskers extending from its face. In the background, you can see part of the laptop screen displaying what looks like a spreadsheet or some kind of data chart with various colored bars (green, yellow, red) and numerical values. The text on the screen includes numbers such as 10 and 25, though it is not entirely clear from this angle. The cat's ears are perked up slightly, giving it an attentive appearance. There is some text overlaid at the bottom of the image that reads: I are serious cat. Below that, another line states: This is serious thread. The setting appears to be indoors with a ceiling light visible above the laptop and part of what looks like a patterned wall or curtain in the background on the left side. The overall lighting suggests an indoor environment with artificial light. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="humorimg/cheese_fail.jpg" alt="cheesefail.jpg The image shows a cat with a slice of cheese balanced on its head. The cat appears to be sitting against a wall, which is light gray in color. The cat has a tabby pattern with brown and black stripes and spots. Its eyes are closed, giving it a relaxed or possibly sleepy appearance. The cheese slice is yellowish-white and is positioned directly on the cat's forehead, slightly tilted forward. It looks like a wedge of cheese, not a full slice, as there seems to be some missing from one end. In the foreground, at the bottom center of the image, the word FAIL is written in bold black letters with white outlines, indicating that this might be part of a meme or humorous context. The background includes parts of what appears to be an indoor setting: a wooden door frame and a dark-colored carpeted floor are visible on the left side. The cat's ears are slightly back, which could suggest it is not entirely comfortable with the cheese slice on its head. There are no other people or animals in the image. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- ### I was an 'expert' then - Quoted in 2009 by News.com.au: > "Understanding what they're saying and simply knowing that they exist can be considered a showing of one's internet cultural knowledge," says Mr. Styler, who runs the [Linguistic Mystic](http://linguisticmystic.com/) blog. > "In the same sense that using a reference from a hot new movie can include you in a group, doing something using an 'im in ur...' construction is a mark of somebody who understands internet culture." <https://amp.news.com.au/news/rise-of-the-lolcats/news-story/86a968cb6722c05b6bfd559f30445ee9> --- ### I was there when many of the templates were born --- <img class="r-stretch" src="morphology/brian_1.jpg" alt="brian1.jpg The image displays a meme featuring a portrait of a young man against a mottled purple background, typical of a school yearbook photo. The young man has short reddish-blonde hair and light skin. He is wearing a light blue collared shirt underneath a red sweater vest that features a white and black plaid pattern. He has braces on his teeth and is smiling with an expression that appears slightly awkward or nervous, looking generally forward but not making direct eye contact. There is large white text with a black outline overlaid on the image. The text at the top reads MAKES EYE CONTACT WITH A GIRL. The text at the bottom reads MEDUSA. In the very bottom right corner, there is a small watermark that says memegenerator.net. This person is widely recognized as Brian Firkus, known online as the character Bad Luck Brian. This description was generated automatically. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <p>(This audiovisual content has been removed for compliance with recent federal accessibility guidelines. <a href="https://accessibility.ucsd.edu/policies-standards/ucsd-accessibility-guidelines.html">Please see this site for details.</a>)</p> --- <p>(This audiovisual content has been removed for compliance with recent federal accessibility guidelines. <a href="https://accessibility.ucsd.edu/policies-standards/ucsd-accessibility-guidelines.html">Please see this site for details.</a>)</p> --- ### I watched Advice Animals become a thing --- <p>(This audiovisual content has been removed for compliance with recent federal accessibility guidelines. <a href="https://accessibility.ucsd.edu/policies-standards/ucsd-accessibility-guidelines.html">Please see this site for details.</a>)</p> --- <p>(This audiovisual content has been removed for compliance with recent federal accessibility guidelines. <a href="https://accessibility.ucsd.edu/policies-standards/ucsd-accessibility-guidelines.html">Please see this site for details.</a>)</p> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="morphology/babymeme3.jpg" alt="babymeme3.jpg The image is a vertical meme featuring a popular internet character known as Success Kid. The background consists of geometric triangles in varying shades of blue and purple. At the top, white text with a black outline reads WENT TO ASK CRUSH FOR HER NUMBER. In the center is a photograph of a toddler with light brown hair wearing a green shirt with white shoulders. He has his right hand raised in a clenched fist near his chest, looking forward with a determined expression. Below him, more white text with a black outline reads SHE ASKED FOR MINE. On the right side, running vertically upwards, is the yellow logo text Memedroid. This description was generated automatically. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <p>(This audiovisual content has been removed for compliance with recent federal accessibility guidelines. <a href="https://accessibility.ucsd.edu/policies-standards/ucsd-accessibility-guidelines.html">Please see this site for details.</a>)</p> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="humorimg/butt_dial_booty_call_bottomtext.jpg" alt="buttdialbootycallbottomtext.jpg The image features a green dinosaur-like creature with a long neck and head that has a somewhat comical expression. The creature's skin appears textured, resembling scales, which is typical for depictions of dinosaurs. Its eyes are large and round, giving it an almost cartoonish appearance. The background consists of two shades of green, creating a simple yet effective contrast against the dinosaur figure. There is text overlaid on the image in white font that reads: YOU'VE HEARD OF THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN A BUTT DIAL AND A BOOTY CALL, BUT CONSIDER: followed by another line that says BOTTOM TEXT. The text appears to be part of a meme or humorous message. The dinosaur is positioned centrally and takes up most of the image. Its head is slightly tilted downward as if it's looking at something below its chin. The creature has a small horn-like protrusion on top of its head, adding to its distinctive look. There are no other characters or objects in the image; the focus remains solely on this dinosaur figure and the text above it. The overall tone of the image seems lighthearted and humorous, likely intended for entertainment purposes rather than conveying any serious message. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- ### ... and now I'm watching the world change --- <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/meme_generations.jpg" alt="memegenerations.jpg The image is a collage consisting of four separate panels, each depicting different individuals with humorous captions that reference generational stereotypes. 1. Top Left Panel: - The panel shows three people sitting together on what appears to be a couch. - One person in the center holds an iPad and has a sign that reads iPaid. - Another person is partially visible behind them, holding another device labeled iPod. - A dog sits between these two individuals. The dog looks small and is wearing a collar. 2. Top Right Panel: - This panel features a man with short hair laughing heartily. - He appears to be in his middle age or older. - The text above him reads Boomer and below it, Millenial. 3. Bottom Left Panel: - Similar to the top left panel, this one also shows three people sitting together on a couch. - One person is holding an iPad with the word iPeed written on it. - Another person has a sign that reads iPaid. - The dog from the first panel appears again in this scene. 4. Bottom Right Panel: - This final panel shows a close-up of what looks like a distorted or exaggerated face, possibly representing a humorous or abstract interpretation of someone's reaction. - Below it is text that reads Gen Z. Each image seems to be part of a meme-style comparison, using the devices and humorously labeled signs to represent different generations. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/sourcream.jpg" alt="sourcream.jpg The image is a meme featuring two individuals. The larger figure on the left appears to be sitting on steps in an outdoor setting at night. This individual has light skin and is wearing a white t-shirt with red text that reads BEATHY, light-colored pants, and white sneakers. Their hands are raised near their face as if they're gesturing or expressing surprise. The smaller figure on the right seems to be standing indoors in front of a dark background. This person also has light skin and is wearing a similar white t-shirt with red text that reads BEATHY, along with light-colored pants and white sneakers. The smaller figure's hands are outstretched, as if they're emphasizing something. The meme includes text at the top that says, Heard the government is putting chips in people. Below this main text, there are two additional lines of text: one reads, well mine better be, and the other specifies a flavor with SOUR CREAM & ONION. The overall tone of the image suggests a humorous or satirical commentary on conspiracy theories about government mind control. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/evil_santana.jpg" alt="evilsantana.jpg The image features two individuals who appear to be performing on stage. The background is vibrant with a mix of colors, predominantly purple and green hues, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. - Person on the left: This individual has short hair that appears light in color. They are wearing a white shirt and seem to be singing or speaking into a microphone, which is not visible but implied by their posture and hand gestures. Their expression suggests they are engaged in the performance. - Person on the right: This person is holding an electric guitar with a teal body and black pickguard. The guitar has a distinctive design, possibly indicating it's a custom or branded model. They are also wearing a white shirt and appear to be playing the guitar while singing or speaking into a microphone that isn't visible in the image. The text at the top of the image reads EVIL CARLOS SANTANA FT. ROB THOMAS BE LIKE, suggesting this is a collaboration between two artists, Evil Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas. The word ROUGH is prominently displayed at the bottom center of the image, likely indicating the title or theme of their performance. The overall tone of the image suggests it's related to music, possibly a live performance or promotional material for an album or concert featuring these artists. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/stickroll.gif" alt="stickroll.gif The image displays a black background with white line drawings and text. At the very top, centered in bold white capital letters, is the phrase GET STICK BUGGED LOL. Below the text are two stick figures drawn in simple white lines. They appear to be lying horizontally on their backs. Both figures have their legs bent at the knees and raised into the air, creating a shape where the lower legs point upwards. This posture mimics the way a stick insect or mantis might rest on its back with its legs curled up. The figure on the left has its arms slightly extended out to the sides, while the figure on the right is positioned next to it in a similar relaxed pose. The image serves as an instruction for viewers to perform this specific dance move or pose known as stick bugging. This description was generated automatically. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- <p>(This audiovisual content has been removed for compliance with recent federal accessibility guidelines. <a href="https://accessibility.ucsd.edu/policies-standards/ucsd-accessibility-guidelines.html">Please see this site for details.</a>)</p> [Sauce](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzD9OxAHtzU) - /br:::: skibiri d̪õm d̪õm d̪õbijɛsʲɛs skibiri d̪abl̩d̪m ni ni/ --- ### I think memes are a rich communicative field - ... which are just as worth of study as any others --- ### 'Linguistics of Memes' had a branding problem - "Oh, I'm not into memes, but I'm really interested in TikTok audios!" - "I want to do my project on uwu, but that's... not a meme?" - New phenomena arise every day that aren't memes, but are *memetic* - *Where on earth do we draw the line?* --- # What is a 'meme' anyways? --- ### The Dictionary Definition > A **meme** is an idea, behavior, or style that spreads by means of imitation from person to person within a culture and often carries symbolic meaning representing a particular phenomenon or theme [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme) --- ### Key Components - Idea or Behavior - Viral spread - Culturally grounded - Carries Symbolic Meaning - **What else acts like this?** --- ### Viral Ideas, Carrying Meaning in Cultures - Memes (duh) - Physical Actions (e.g. planking, flossing, peace signs) - TikTok Trends and Audios - Aesthetics and Leitmotifs (e.g. deep frying, meaningful fonts) --- ### Viral Ideas, Carrying Meaning in Cultures (cont.) - Paralinguistic Stuff: Emoji use, Keysmashing, SpOnGeBoB TeXt - Interaction patterns (e.g. "That'll be $69.42" "Nice.") - Dogwhistles (words that subtly reveal affiliation with a group/ideology) - Culturally Specific Words (e.g. 'gg', 'any %', 'hotep', 'pov') - **All of language!** --- ### All language is memetic! - Idea or Behavior - Viral spread - Culturally grounded - Carries Symbolic Meaning --- ### The Scope of this class is Large - You're looking for ideas or behaviors, spread virally, within cultures, with meaning, on the internet - ... and you'll use linguistic analysis on them - *One Handy Rule: Try to choose things that are considered 'non-standard' usage of language* - **The world is your oyster, and anything's a meme if you convince me** - This means I want to see lots of interesting new stuff! --- ### You'll be looking at 'Linguistic Forms' - This is a wildly broad term - Words, pronunciations, memes, meme templates, paralinguistic stuff - Basically anything which carries meaning and is linguistically analyzable --- # What is Will's Problem? - (I mean, one among many) --- ### To quote a student's CAPE evaluation... - # *"His memes are kind of old"* --- <p>(This audiovisual content has been removed for compliance with recent federal accessibility guidelines. <a href="https://accessibility.ucsd.edu/policies-standards/ucsd-accessibility-guidelines.html">Please see this site for details.</a>)</p> --- ### This is a known issue --- <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/lecturermemes.jpg" alt="lecturermemes.jpg The image is a screenshot from Twitter, showing a tweet by a user named amy with the handle @ahsurelook. The tweet was posted at 12:18 PM on October 13, 2020. It reads: lecturers choosing which meme from 2006 should go into their slides. The image within the tweet shows a man sitting in front of a computer monitor. He appears to be in an office setting with large windows behind him that let in natural light. The man has short, dark hair and is wearing a light blue button-up shirt. His facial expression suggests he might be concentrating or slightly confused as he looks at the screen. The computer setup includes a white keyboard and mouse on a desk, which also holds what appears to be a small, rectangular object that could be a tablet or another piece of tech equipment. The man is seated in a black office chair with armrests. The background outside the window shows some greenery, possibly trees or bushes. The overall tone of the image seems humorous, as it plays on the idea of lecturers trying to incorporate outdated memes into their presentations, which might not be relevant anymore due to advancements and changes over time. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- ### ... and all language is always changing - 'You never step into the same river twice' - In fact, I'll be making an effort to use millenial memes and language to prove this point! - ... but memes move fast! --- ### Remember this? <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/bernie.png" alt="bernie.png The image shows an individual seated on a black chair against a plain white background. The person is wearing a light grayish-green jacket with a hood that appears to be zipped up. Underneath the jacket, there seems to be a dark-colored garment. They are also wearing dark pants and brown shoes with laces. On their hands, they have gloves that appear to be made of a textured material in shades of brown and white. The individual is seated upright on the chair with legs crossed at the ankles. Their posture suggests they might be relaxed or contemplative. The person has short, light-colored hair and is wearing glasses. They are also wearing a blue face mask covering their mouth and nose. There is no text or diagram visible in this image. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- ### This presents a problem --- ### "How the heck can I teach a class on emerging and new language, when I don't speak the modern dialect?" - The answer? - ## With your help! --- ## How are we doing this class? --- ### This class will be different from any I've ever taught before - Generally, I'm telling you all how the world works - How language works, how computers work, how phonetics, phonology, morphology, or hearing works - I give you information, you give it back to me on tests - You'll work through problems, and try to arrive at 'the correct answer' --- ### That will not work here - I know about my era of memes - I am incredibly online - I know how language works - I don't know exactly how memes work lately - I don't know how your parts of the internet work - There is no 'right answer' that you can be tested against - Not like there's a textbook for this --- ### This is unlike any other class in the department... - Except one - **This is kind of a Field Methods class** --- ### Field Methods - The professor sits down with a group of students and a speaker of a language that *they don't know* - The professor teaches the students *how to find out* how the language works - ... and they all study the language *together* by talking with somebody who knows the language --- ### I'm going to give you tools and structure - Elements of linguistic analysis and linguistic theory - ... with a specific mind towards concepts which I think are meaningful here - ... and with examples in my old school understanding - I'll give areas for us to focus on each week - ... and questions I think we'll learn things from asking --- ### You all will do the analysis and bring the data - You'll apply what we're talking about to the online communication in your lives - We'll be there to help, but *you have the data* - You'll take the analyses deeper - Your final project will go beyond what we've done in class - You'll focus on a specific area - Maybe a site, a community, an interest group, a kind of meme, something that's interesting to you! --- ### Together, we'll learn how *this* language works --- ### This makes this class very different than the norm - I'm depending on you all as much as you're depending on me! - **We're on the same team!** --- <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/epichandshake.jpg" alt="epichandshake.jpg The image depicts a close-up view of two individuals engaged in an arm-wrestling match. The focus is on their hands and forearms as they grip each other's hands tightly. - Left Side (White Sleeved Arm): - The person has light skin tone. - They are wearing a white sleeve, which suggests the individual might be dressed in a shirt or long-sleeve top. The sleeve appears to have some texture and is slightly wrinkled at the wrist area. - Right Side (Red Sleeved Arm): - This person also has light skin tone but with a darker complexion compared to the other individual, possibly indicating they are of a different ethnic background or simply have a naturally darker skin tone. - They are wearing a red sleeve that contrasts sharply with their skin and the white sleeve on the opposite side. The red sleeve is also slightly wrinkled at the wrist. - Background: - The background is dark, almost black, which helps to emphasize the hands and forearms of the individuals in the foreground. - There are no discernible objects or text in the background; it appears plain and unadorned. The image captures a moment of intense physical competition between two people, with their arms locked in an arm-wrestling position. The focus is on the strength and determination evident from their grip and posture. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- ### Grading will be weird too! <https://savethevowels.org/42> --- ### This is a contract - I am giving you the power to determine your own grade - You are giving me and your classmates good work in return - 'Blowing off' the class is a jerk move, please respect our community by putting in effort, or leave it --- <img class="r-stretch" src="memes/contract_based_grading.jpg" alt="contractbasedgrading.jpg The image shows a man with long hair and a beard wearing a suit and tie. He is standing indoors in front of a ceiling that has purple lighting. There are some plants visible on the right side of the image. Above him, there is text that reads TRADE OFFER with an exclamation mark on either side. Below this text, two columns of information are displayed: - On the left column: - The heading says: i receive: - Underneath it, it states: hard work - On the right column: - The heading says: you receive: - Underneath it, it states: whatever grade you choose The man appears to be making a gesture with his hands as if he is explaining or presenting something. The overall setting suggests an indoor environment, possibly at an event or gathering given the lighting and decor. This description was generated automatically from image files by a local LLM, and thus, may not be fully accurate. Please feel free to ask questions if you have further questions about the nature of the image or its meaning within the presentation."> --- # Our roles --- ### My Roles - To teach you how linguists analyze the parts of language relevant to memes - To present you all with discussions and activities which will help us engage with the language of memes - To create a structure for the course and ensure a safe environment for learning - To guide you through difficulties you'll face on the path - To evaluate you on your effort, participation, and engagement with the problems at hand --- ### Your IA's Roles - They will help guide you in your analyses and offer suggestions and feedback - They will be a resource in between classes - They'll help me to evaluate your effort, participation, and engagement - They'll help me to maintain a safe space in our classroom, virtual and otherwise --- ### Your Roles - You will participate, coming to class sessions, chatting in Discord, asking questions, and engaging with the activities - You'll prepare for class sessions, finding and bringing memes and examples from your daily life, and completing the discussions - You'll interact with your group members during class and during your final project, and stay home when you're sick. - You'll be kind, considerate, and build and maintain our classroom community --- ### You should probably choose a different class if... - You won't be able to regularly attend class sessions - Podcasting is not an option for much of what we're doing - You'd rather not work in groups and participate in discussions - Don't be deadweight for your group or in the class - You have a deep innate desire to be an edgelord - Kindness should motivate you, not desire to troll or harm - You don't really care for memes or the internet - You have a pun allergy - ... some of my puns will be apollen! --- # Our plan --- ### Week 1: Building Community - What are we doing here? - What kinds of memes are and aren't welcome in our classroom? - Who are we working with, and how will we do this ethically? --- ### Speaking of community - Start finding groups in Discord and Canvas - Feel free to post a 'Seeking' ad if you'd like to take a leadership role or advocate for an area of study, or just chat with folks and find kindred souls - Be kind and welcoming, damnit - You can change groups later, that's fine! --- ### Week 2: Are Memes Linguistic? - Does this stuff actually make sense as 'language'? - What are grammaticality judgements? - Can memes and new language be 'grammatical' or 'ungrammatical'? --- ### Week 3: Form and Memeing - How do we find meaningful chunks of words in language? - How does this relate to memes and new language and behavior? --- ### Week 4: Generalization and Mememorphology - What meaningful 'chunks' exist within memes? - How can we take advantage of these chunks of form and meaning to make new memes? - Do linguistic ideas of productivity and creativity make sense here? --- ### Week 5: How do new memetic ideas develop? - How do new words and templates happen? - How do new chunks of memes and words happen? - How do these things evolve over time? --- ### Week 6: Meaning and memes - How do we think about meaning in language? - Do linguistic understandings of meaning play a role in our understanding? - What do these things 'mean' anyways? --- ### Week 7: Project Prep and Intro to Sociolinguistics - How does language intersect with social identity? - **Your project proposals will be due this week!** --- ### Week 8: Identity and Community - What is a language community? - Can we use these linguistic tools to better understand meme usage? - How does our use of these things tell people about who we are? --- ### Week 9: We live in a Society - How do language and culture interact? - How do memes and culture interact? - Can memes be translated across cultures? --- ### Week 10: Language on the Internet *in the future!* - How does language change? - How do these things change? - Do memes become more abstract or concrete or both over time? --- ### Finals Week - You'll submit your final projects on March 20th at Noon --- ### Any questions? --- ### I'm excited - We're rebooting this class with new ideas and approaches - We're opening it up to the entire interweb! - There will be some changes - And what you end up doing will shape what I end up doing - Your enthusiasm will play a big role in making this class more than just a meme --- <huge>Thank you!</huge>