UNAIR NEWS The Indonesian Literature Program at Faculty of Humanities (FIB), , hosted a guest lecture titled Dynamics of Meaning in Digital Communication on Monday (May 4, 2026) through Zoom Meeting. The event featured Dr Hishamudin Bin Isam from Universiti Utara Malaysia, who discussed the continuing transformation of linguistic meaning in the digital era.
Communication in era of digital media
The rapid growth of technology and social media has fundamentally changed how people construct, interpret, and share meaning. In his presentation, Dr. Hishamudin explained that digital communication is no longer centered solely on written text, but increasingly combines symbols, visuals, and cultural context within everyday interaction.
He explained that the absence of nonverbal signals in online communication has encouraged users to depend more heavily on visual expression. 淒igital communication lacks nonverbal cues such as intonation and facial expressions. Because of that, users rely on visual elements to convey meaning. Emojis, GIFs, and memes now function not only as emotional markers but also as mediums for indirect communication, he said.
Dr. Hishamudin added that memes have become one of the defining elements of digital communication because they operate both as carriers of cultural meaning and as instruments of social critique. 淭he meaning of memes is constructed collectively by communities rather than individuals. Meaning in digital spaces is communal and continues to evolve depending on usage and community context, he explained.
Semantic change in the digital era
Dr. Hishamudin also underscored how the meaning of words changes more rapidly in today檚 digital environment. 淭ake the word viral as an example. It once referred primarily to viruses, but now it commonly describes something widely circulated on the internet. This illustrates linguistic processes such as generalization, specialization, amelioration, and pejoration of meaning, he noted.
He further highlighted the importance of context in interpreting digital messages. 淲ithout context, meaning can become unclear or easily misunderstood. Social conditions, timing, situational background, and relationships between users all play crucial roles in ensuring accurate interpretation, he stated.
Through the guest lecture, students were expected to strengthen their understanding of semantic shifts in digital communication while enhancing language literacy in the social media age. The program also served as a discussion platform to broaden perspectives on contemporary semantic studies and their relevance to daily life.
Author: Maulya Afifah Zahra
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
