English Language

• New English words are needed to describe developments in the fields of science and technology, and changes in social values
• The process of change to the English language through the addition of new words is a dynamic process
• Global media and social network sites assist in the addition of new words to the English language
• Words can become part of English easily if enough people use them
• Fluent English speakers can invent new lexis for an immediate impact
• New words can become viral quickly, similar to slang
• English is a common world language on the internet, in science, and technology
• Global introductions of new lexis in science and technology areas are added to the English language lexis
• English language change accompanies social changes. We need new English words to describe developments in the fields of science and technology, and changes in social values. At the same time, words drop into disuse as speakers have no need for them (for instance, some of Shakespeare’s language is no longer used in the 21 st century). These words are called archaisms.
• Computer-mediated discourse is the distinctive pattern of discourse generated by computer networks
• Online discourse overlaps with the conventions of written and spoken language
• Texts, forums, and other forms of online communication enable real-time responses similar to spoken conversation
• Participants in computer-mediated discourse use lexis, content, style, and paralinguistic features found in face-to-face conversation
• Computer-mediated discourse is usually unplanned and spontaneous with mutually understandable language and graphology
• David Crystal suggests that all technological developments have resulted in language change
• Each form of communication, from the printing press to the internet and social networking sites, has a distinctive style
• The language of the internet and social networking sites is likely to evolve relatively quickly to suit the needs of its users