Introduction

With the rise of the internet, language has changed. Not only in the way we communicate with each other but also in our vocabularies, dialects and more. Below are some of the key ways in which the internet has influenced modern-day language.

The Internet’s Positive Impact on Modern-Day Language

There is a common misconception that the Internet has made this generation lazy, but in fact, it could have had the opposite effect. The Internet has opened up a vast amount of information to people all over the world and allowed them to communicate with others regardless of their location. This means that not only can we express and share our opinions and thoughts on matters that interest us, but that we can also learn languages from other cultures, and connect more effectively on a global scale.

Key features of the Internet’s positive impact on modern-day language:

  • The Internet allows people to communicate with others even if they aren’t in the same country. This means that people can talk about things they are interested in with others around the world.
  • The Internet allows people to express their opinions and let others know what they think. If this generation is passionate about something then it has the power to share that opinion with anyone willing to read it.
  • The Internet provides an opportunity for people to learn new languages at their own pace without having to commit time in a classroom thanks to the vast amount of educational material and language training courses now available online.
  • The Internet is a key reason why this generation has become more open-minded and inquisitive. Language is changing all the time, not only because words come in and out of fashion but also because people are always finding new ways to express themselves. The internet facilitates this.

How Has The Internet Shaped Modern-Day Language?

New Words and Slang

The English language is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. This makes it incredibly easy for people to communicate with each other, which is probably why so many words are shared between countries and cultures. With new technology comes new ways to express yourself, and that means that new English colloquials, slang and words are constantly emerging.

The Internet has opened up so many avenues for people to share these words, which means that they travel faster than ever before around the world – it’s even possible for a word to start in one country/culture and then spread to another country/culture very quickly thanks to the Internet.

Access To Different Dialects

One of the best things about the Internet is that it allows people to connect with others using different languages and dialects. Although many people who speak English as a first language will be able to understand it, accents and dialects can play a huge part in how we communicate. The power of the internet has meant that these can now be heard by a much larger audience.

The Internet is also instrumental in helping those who want to learn new languages and dialects, as there are many online resources like online language lessons that provide lessons for those interested.

New Dialects in Online Communities

Another way that the Internet is shaping modern-day language is by actually creating new dialects in different online communities. These communities are usually built on various social media sites and allow people with similar interests to connect. However, there are also subcultures within these groups, which means that certain words can become associated with one group or another, meaning they can spread quickly.

We have even seen the rise of brand new dialects popping up in different communities on the internet, such as within Reddit or meme groups, both of which have their own sort of abbreviations and meanings that can be quite hard to understand for those who aren’t a part of the community.

Online Learning Platforms

Thanks to the Internet, it’s possible for people to learn languages at their own pace without leaving the comfort of their own home thanks to the various online learning platforms available. These give people the opportunity to learn how to read, write and speak in different languages.

The Internet provides an extraordinary platform for people who are eager to learn something new, which means that this generation has a better chance of being multilingual than ever before.

Professional Slang

Last but certainly not least, modern-day slang is also becoming used by many people in the professional world. This means people are able to communicate with and conduct business over the Internet with others whom they may never have had contact with otherwise.

However, it’s important to understand exactly what’s appropriate when it comes to professional language. To ensure that you’re using language correctly in professional environments, improving your professional English skills could be the perfect option.

Here are some of our top tips for using language in the workplace:

  • Be concise. Sometimes using pointlessly long, complicated words can make you appear pretentious and somewhat out of touch with other staff members.
  • Use clear language to ensure that there are no mistakes or miscommunication in your messages. If something is unclear, use a simple explanation to demonstrate what you’re trying to say.
  • Make sure that your writing is grammatically accurate by using a word processing programme, such as Microsoft Word.
  • Make sure that you’re aware of any jargon or slang that’s commonly used in your workplace and familiarize yourself with these words so that they appear natural when you use them.
  • Be aware that the language you use can affect how others perceive you, both internally and externally. Although it may seem like a good idea to use slang and abbreviations when communicating with colleagues, you should carefully consider if this is appropriate in professional environments.