Language as the main element of the ethnic identity of the Pontic Greeks in the cyber space

Abstract

The paper makes an attempt to research the consolidating ethnic communities in popular social networks on the example of the “Vkontakte” network. The main elements of the basic ethnic identity of the Pontic Greeks in the social media publics are the ethnic language (Modern Greek or Pontic dialect), music and dances, specific dishes of national cuisine, religion, and characteristics of the family-clan organization. The Pontic dialect is used to create the most popular memes. The language choice for a meme depends on the specific features of the image used as a basis. A large number of young subscribers have a command of Pontic dialect, and can show not only a passive knowledge of common phrases, but also can comment on memes in the discussion that develops in the dialect.