THEORETICAL FOUNDAIONS OF LANGUAGE CHANGE AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract

Language is an ever changing system is an intricate reflection of human society. But just as culture and technology evolves, so does language. One of the best examples for these developments is the English language, which has developed considerably from Old English to its current position as a world language. These shifts have been the result of historical, social, and technological trends, illustrating the dynamic nature of language systems over time. In the 21st century, a new force for language change has developed with digital communication. Aspects like social media, instant messaging, blogs, and online forums are some of the platforms which have contributed to the emergence of spaces in which languagemechanisms are being constantly redefined in order to cope with the requirements of a fast, no-formalized, and globalised communication. Digital media itself not only enables fast propagation of language innovations, but also promotes the formation of new idioms, from short forms and neologisms to visual icons such as emojis and memes. This article hopes dis cuss modern language change on the basis of the theory of language change in the face of digital communication, with a special reference to English. The initial section traces the history of the English language, and the second section examines the contemporary impact of digital realms on language use. By investigating past and current shifts, this research attempts to provide understanding of the evolving nature of language and the relationship between technology and communication.