International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue05 2025
PAGE NO.
1-6
English in the Digital Age: The Interplay of
Globalization and Technology
Prof. Michael Carter
School of Communication, University of Toronto, Canada
Dr. Sophia Bennett
Department of English Language Studies, McGill University, Canada
Received:
03 March 2025;
Accepted:
02 April 2025;
Published:
01 May 2025
Abstract:
This article examines the significant impact of globalization and modern technology on the English
language. Globalization has established English as the primary language of international communication across
various fields, including business, science, diplomacy, and culture, leading to the development of diverse "World
Englishes" and its recognition as a global lingua franca. Simultaneously, technology, particularly the internet and
mobile communication, has created new environments for language use, fostering linguistic innovations like
"techspeak" and transforming language learning. Based on a qualitative synthesis of existing literature, the article
discusses how these forces have accelerated the evolution and spread of English. It highlights the adaptive nature
of language in response to digital communication styles and the role of technology in democratizing access to
English and promoting its diversification through global interaction. The article concludes that the intertwined
influence of globalization and technology will continue to shape English, emphasizing the importance of
understanding this dynamic relationship for future global communication.
Keywords:
Globalization, Modern Technology, English Language, Digital Age, Lingua Franca, Techspeak,
Textspeak, World Englishes, Language Evolution, Digital Communication, Social Media, Internet, Language
Acquisition, Linguistic Change.
Introduction:
The English language has undergone
significant transformations throughout its history, but
perhaps none as rapid and profound as those
witnessed in the contemporary era. Two dominant
forces shaping the modern world
–
globalization and
modern technology
–
have converged to accelerate the
evolution and spread of English in unprecedented
ways. Globalization, characterized by increasing
interconnectedness across political, economic, cultural,
and social spheres (Held et al., 1999; Steger, 2013), has
created a growing need for a common language of
communication. Simultaneously, advancements in
technology, from the internet and mobile phones to
social
media
platforms,
have
provided
the
infrastructure and tools for this communication to
occur on a massive, instantaneous scale (Akbarov &
Tankosić, 2016; Asudani, 2016; Raut et a
l., 2016).
This article explores the intertwined impact of
globalization and modern technology on the English
language. It examines how these forces have propelled
English to its status as a global lingua franca and how
technology, in particular, is influencing its structure,
usage, and acquisition. By synthesizing insights from
existing literature, we aim to provide a comprehensive
overview of the dynamic relationship between global
connectivity, digital innovation, and the ongoing
evolution of English.
METHODS
This article is based on a qualitative synthesis of existing
scholarly and journalistic literature concerning the
impact of globalization and technology on the English
language. The primary sources for this synthesis are the
references provided by the user, which include
academic books, journal articles, and news articles
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
published between 1992 and 2023.
The approach involved reviewing the provided texts to
identify key themes, arguments, and findings related
to:
1.
The role of globalization in the spread and use
of English.
2.
The influence of various technologies (e.g.,
internet, social media, text messaging) on English
language features and usage patterns.
3.
The interplay between globalization and
technology in shaping the linguistic landscape of
English.
Information from these sources was then collated and
organized according to the IMRaD structure to present
a coherent narrative on the subject. The insights
presented in the Results and Discussion sections are
derived directly from the analysis and interpretation of
the content within these provided references. Citations
are included throughout the text, referencing the
sources by the numerical order in which they were
supplied.
RESULTS
Globalization has solidified English's position as the
dominant language of international communication
across numerous domains. In business, English serves
as the primary language for multinational corporations
and global trade (Adler, 2007; Mohammed, 2020). It is
the leading language of science, technology, and
academic research, with a vast majority of scholarly
journals and conferences operating in English (Crystal,
1997, 2003). Diplomacy, international relations, and
global organizations increasingly rely on English for
official communication (Crystal, 2997, 2003). The
spread of Western culture, particularly through media
like film, music, and television, has also contributed
significantly to English's global reach (Gray, 2002;
Pennycook, 1994; Phillipson, 1992). This widespread
adoption has led to the emergence of various "World
Englishes," distinct varieties spoken in different
regions, each with unique characteristics (Crystal,
2003). English is now widely recognized as a global
lingua franca, used for communication among people
who do not share a native language (Karen, 1997;
Seidlhofer, 2011). This global status is further
reinforced by its role in facilitating communication in a
globalized world (Jadhav, 2018; Mohammed, 2020;
Panda, 2021; Rao, 2013).
Modern technology has profoundly impacted how
English is used, learned, and disseminated. The
internet, in particular, has created vast online
communities where English is the default language,
fostering new forms of communication and linguistic
innovation (Akbarov & Tankosić, 2016; Anand, 2010;
Asudani, 2016; Raut et al., 2016). Social media
platforms and text messaging have given rise to
"techspeak"
or
"textspeak,"
characterized
by
abbreviations, acronyms, simplified grammar, and
novel vocabulary (Cingel & Sundar, 2012; French, 2018;
Sharma, 2023; Strain-Moritz & Tessa, 2016). While
concerns exist about the potential negative impact of
these forms on traditional literacy and writing skills
(French, 2018; Strain-Moritz & Tessa, 2016), others
view them as natural linguistic adaptations to new
communication environments (Anand, 2010; Sharma,
2023). Technology has also revolutionized language
learning, providing access to a wealth of resources and
interactive tools that facilitate English acquisition
globally (Akbarov & Tankosić, 2016). The speed and
ease of digital communication have accelerated the
rate at which new words and phrases enter the
language and spread globally (Sharma, 2023; Sonn,
2006).
The interplay between globalization and technology is
evident in how digital platforms enable global
interactions that necessitate the use of English,
simultaneously shaping the language used in those
interactions. Technology facilitates the spread of
English as a global language, while the need for global
communication driven by globalization encourages
technological development and adoption for linguistic
purposes (Akbarov & Tankosić, 2016; Asudani, 2016;
Raut et al., 2016).
DISCUSSION
The findings underscore the dynamic and symbiotic
relationship between globalization and modern
technology in shaping the trajectory of the English
language. Globalization established the imperative for
a common global language, and technology provided
the means for English to fulfill this role on an
unprecedented scale and speed. The internet and
digital communication tools have not merely facilitated
the spread of existing English but have actively
contributed to its ongoing evolution (Sharma, 2023;
Yule, 2017).
The emergence of techspeak and the prevalence of
informal digital communication styles highlight the
adaptive nature of language. While some view these
changes with apprehension, fearing a decline in formal
language proficiency (French, 2018; Strain-Moritz &
Tessa, 2016), it is also plausible to interpret them as the
emergence of new registers and communication norms
suited to specific digital contexts (Anand, 2010; Cingel
& Sundar, 2012; Sharma, 2023). The ease with which
information, including linguistic innovations, can be
shared online means that language change can occur
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much more rapidly than in pre-digital eras (Sharma,
2023; Sonn, 2006).
Furthermore, technology has democratized access to
English, making learning resources available to a wider
global
audience
and
fostering
cross-cultural
communication among non-native speakers (Akbarov
& Tankosić, 2016). This interaction among dive
rse users
of English as a lingua franca is itself a powerful engine
of linguistic change, contributing to the diversification
of English worldwide (Crystal, 2003; Seidlhofer, 2011).
Looking ahead, the influence of globalization and
technology on English is likely to continue. As
technology evolves and global interconnectedness
deepens, English will likely continue to adapt,
incorporating
new
vocabulary,
adopting
new
grammatical
structures,
and
developing
new
communication styles in response to the needs of its
global users (Graddol, 2006). Understanding this
ongoing interplay is crucial for educators, linguists, and
anyone interested in the future of global
communication. The digital age is not just changing
how we use English; it is fundamentally changing the
language itself.
Table 1: Impacts of Globalization on the English Language
Area of Impact
Description
Resulting Linguistic
Phenomena/Status
Relevant
References (by
number)
Business &
Trade
Primary language for
multinational corporations and
global commerce.
Facilitates international business
communication.
1, 15
Science &
Research
Dominant language in academic
journals, conferences, and
scientific fields.
Enables global knowledge sharing
and collaboration.
6, 7
Diplomacy & IR Increasingly used for official
communication in international
relations.
Supports global political and
diplomatic interactions.
6, 7
Culture
Spread through media (film,
music, TV) and cultural exchange.
Contributes to global reach and
exposure.
11, 17, 18
Overall Status
Growing need for a common
language in an interconnected
world.
Emergence of English as a Global
Lingua Franca.
14, 21
Regional
Variation
Widespread adoption in different
geographical areas.
Development of diverse "World
Englishes" with unique
characteristics.
7
Communication
Facilitates communication among
people with different native
languages.
Essential tool for global
interaction.
13, 15, 16, 19
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
Table 2: Impacts of Modern Technology on the English Language
Technology/Platform
Specific Impacts on English
Linguistic Changes/Phenomena
Relevant
References (by
number)
Internet
Creates vast online
communities; default
language in many digital
spaces.
Fosters new forms of
communication and linguistic
innovation.
2, 3, 4, 20
Social Media
Platforms for rapid, informal
communication.
Contributes to
"techspeak"/"textspeak,"
abbreviations, new vocabulary.
2, 5, 9, 22, 25
Text Messaging
Enables concise, quick
communication via mobile
devices.
Promotes use of abbreviations,
acronyms, simplified grammar
("textspeak").
5, 9, 22, 25
Digital Speed
Ease and speed of online
information sharing.
Accelerates the rate at which new
words and phrases enter and spread.
22, 23
Language Learning
Provides access to resources
and interactive tools globally.
Revolutionizes English acquisition
and makes it more accessible.
2
Cross-Cultural
Interaction
Facilitates communication
among diverse users globally.
Drives linguistic change and
diversification of English.
2, 7, 21
Table 3: Selected References and Their Focus Areas
Reference
Number
Author(s) & Year
Primary Focus Area(s)
1
Adler (2007)
International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior
(Business)
2
Akbarov & Tankosić
(2016)
Social Networks, Technology, and Language Learners
3
Anand (2010)
Language in the Digital Age
5
Cingel & Sundar (2012)
Texting, Techspeak, and Tweens
6, 7
Crystal (1997, 2003)
English as a Global Language
9
French (2018)
Impact of Texting on Student Writing
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12
Held et al. (1999)
Global Transformations (Globalization definition)
14
Karen (1997)
English as Lingua Franca
18
Phillipson (1992)
Linguistic Imperialism
21
Seidlhofer (2011)
Understanding English as a Lingua Franca
22
Sharma (2023)
Changes in English Language and Grammar: Impact of
Technology
24
Steger (2013)
Globalization definition
25
Strain-Moritz & Tessa
(2016)
Technology Use and Its Effects on Student Writing
26
Yule (2017)
The Study of Language (General Linguistics)
CONCLUSION
The digital age, fueled by globalization and
technological advancements, has transformed the role
of English in global communication. Social media,
online learning platforms, and the digital economy
have accelerated the spread of English, making it the
language of choice for millions around the world. This
study highlights the importance of understanding the
interplay between technology, globalization, and
language, as it provides insights into how English will
continue to evolve in the coming decades. Future
research should explore the long-term implications of
these changes for both the English language and other
languages in the digital age.
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