Exploring Genre Analysis in the Digital Era: Advancements and Obstacles

The rapid expansion of digital communication has ushered human society into an era characterized by digital and multimodal expression. As literary and communicative genres emerge to address the complexities of reality, they inevitably incorporate digital and multimodal elements, evolving into new forms with novel functions. In response to these transformations, scholars of genre have devised theoretical and methodological frameworks to align with the shifting landscape of discourse. Yet, these fresh perspectives remain scattered across various studies, necessitating a comprehensive review to serve as a valuable resource for future scholars. Against this backdrop, the present study traverses an extensive body of literature, identifying three pivotal advancements in genre analysis: digital genre analysis, multimodal genre analysis, and genre innovation. Alongside these developments, it becomes apparent that scholars in this field must contend with epistemological, methodological, and ethical dilemmas in the digital era. Acknowledging these challenges, this work explores potential solutions for researchers delving into the realm of digital-multimodal genres. Ultimately, the trends and obstacles highlighted in this review underscore the inherently social nature of genre, reinforcing the notion that genre should be perceived as a dynamic, communicative phenomenon—one that continually evolves in tandem with the shifting contours of social reality.