Leiden University Student Repository

Dijke, Moos van (2022)

Learning the Language of Memes: An Analysis of Internet Memes from Linguistic and Post-Structuralist Perspectives

Bachelor thesis | Kunstgeschiedenis (BA)

In this paper, ‘Internet memes’ will be analysed from the perspective of Ferdinand de Saussure’s model of linguistics and Roland Barthes’ theory of Post-Structuralism in order to prove that ‘Internet memes’ are a kind of language. I will argue that ‘Internet memes’ can be seen as a language by comparing it to language structures as described in de Saussure’s model of linguistics. This comparison will showcase the similarities between regular language structures and the structures that ‘Internet memes’ are built from. Furthermore, by using the theory of Post-Structuralism, I will argue that ‘Internet memes’ as a language have an influence on culture and cultural practices such as art. Consequently, Holly Sweet’s Vine Tarot is used as a case study, or more specifically the card called The Lovers, which corresponds with the Two Bros Vine by Anthony Padilla, to show that ‘Internet memes’ are indeed as layered and complex as any language, and therefore influence cultural practices.

Art

Memes

Internet memes

language

semiotics

tarot

linguistics

post-structuralism

Author

Dijke, Moos van

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Tissen, L.N.M

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en