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The Global Story
How social media shapes the way we speak
Nov 18, 2024
Sophia Smith Galer, a linguist and former BBC journalist, and Neil Edgeller from the BBC Learning English team dive into the dynamic world of language influenced by social media. They explore how younger generations adopt new terms at unprecedented rates and the cultural divides this creates. The conversation touches on the concept of 'linguicide' and the challenges of preserving linguistic diversity amid globalization. They also analyze the role of AI in communication, questioning its impact on the authenticity of human expression.
26:26
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Quick takeaways
- Social media accelerates language evolution as younger generations rapidly adopt new slang, impacting intergenerational communication dynamics.
- The globalization of slang raises concerns about cultural imperialism, yet revitalization efforts demonstrate that local languages can still thrive.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Language in the Digital Age
Language has been evolving for centuries, and the rapid changes driven by social media have intensified this process. Younger generations are adopting new slang and expressions, often exclusive to their in-groups, which can create a generational divide in communication. Terms such as 'riz' and 'skibbity' exemplify how quickly language can shift, with these words often losing significance shortly after they gain popularity. This phenomenon highlights the fluidity of language and how technology accelerates the introduction and adaptation of new vocabulary in everyday discourse.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode