The Art of Communicating Through Images: A Classification of Persian Memes

This paper presents a new taxonomy of memes based on a comprehensive analysis of the content, purpose, and discourse characteristics of memes in Persian cyberspace. The taxonomy identifies five main categories of memes: (۱) Visually punctuated memes, which rely on wordplay and visual imagery to create humor, often employing juxtaposition, incongruity, or unexpected combinations of elements; (۲) Culturally Allusive Memes which draw upon shared cultural knowledge, including historical references, literary allusions, or popular cultural tropes, to evoke humor and connect with a specific audience; (۳) Socially Commentative Memes which use humor to critique or comment on social and political issues, often employing satire, irony, or exaggeration to highlight societal ills or promote social change; (۴) Personally Anecdotal Memes which humorously share personal anecdotes or observations, often using relatable experiences to foster connection and shared understanding among viewers; and, (۵) Hybrid Memes defy categorization and combine elements from different categories to create unique and creative expressions. This article also explores the role of memes in the meaning-making of internet humor in Persian cyberspace. Memes, this study shows, are a great way for Iranians to share humor, connect with others, and express their unique culture.

کلیدواژه ها:

Memes ، Digital Aesthetics ، Persian Cyberspace ، Visual Communication ، Laughter Culture