In the past, cultural shifts and movements spurred a slow but steady change in the way people used English. However, because of their instantaneous nature, social media sites seem to have a way of morphing the English language at an exponentially faster rate.
While we may not yet know exactly what kind of changes these will be, it is apparent that social media sites have utilized language primarily as a tool for real-time communication with others in an efficient, short-hand manner.
The main effect I've witnessed is the creation of an endless number of what I like to think of as "English sub-languages" - with each one tailor-made by the group of people using it. Even in my own group of friends, we have created new words, new meanings for existing words, and new phrases - all through the usage of Facebook. Additionally, changes like this are occurring very quickly and consistently. After looking at some of my old Facebook posts and messages, I've realized that the way in which my friends and I speak to each other has evolved dramatically, even over the short period of only a few years.
Social media sites have been in existence for a only a short period of time, yet they have been changing the way in which people use language. It will be interesting to see what kinds of implications these sub-languages will bring about for the future of the English language.
I think that a lot of people underestimate the effect that Facebook and other social media outlets have on the English language. Additionally, I think that text messaging has a catastrophic effect on language as well. Many people try to abbreviate words so that it’s easier and quicker to type out; everyone just wants to save time. Eventually that evolves into saying those words in real life and even putting them into academic settings as well. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say “jeal” for “jealous” and “totes” for “totally”. I mentor middle school girls in the area and they in their academic papers “slang words” that should only be used when texting or typing on the computer. They add extra “z”’, “s”, and “y” to almost every word possible. It’s concerning that this next generation may start using this new form of English for everything when really the proper form of English should be used. Great post!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it'll be interesting to see if the kids of this generation will realize that these new slang words are suppose to stay in the domain of internet/texting. If they don't, does that mean that it will soon be acceptable to lol and cya in academic papers as the new generation becomes the leading one?
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that social networks, texting, and other social outlets have created a new "language" that is embedded in the youth and some adults as well. However I feel that this new sub-language mainly stays, and should stay, within those boundaries. Workplaces, schools, and other professional fields will not allow this type of jargon within their scope.
ReplyDeleteIts a little frightening watching today's youth growing up so connected to social media. I've heard about many kids lying about their age just to make a profile and create a window into their lives that never closes. Spending so much time conversing with friends using slang and abbreviations, they are forgetting the real words that they are shortcutting. This language will not be accepted in higher education and in the professional world, or at least I hope it wont, and im curious to see the what the future will bring.
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