THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL MEDIA ON LANGUAGE EVOLUTION

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between language and the digital world, focusing on how the internet influences communication. He addresses how digital media like email, chat rooms, and instant messaging introduce new linguistic practices, such as abbreviations and the use of emoticons. Crystal argues that, rather than eroding language, the internet actually contributes to its evolution by providing new platforms for innovation and creativity. This source is crucial for understanding the early shifts in language caused by digital communication, offering foundational ideas about the relationship between digital technology and language evolution.