Instant Genius How the internet shaped how we speak
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Dec 6, 2024 Gretchen McCulloch, a prominent linguist and author of "Because Internet," explores how the digital age has revolutionized communication. She discusses the impact of emojis, memes, and acronyms on our language and how platforms like MSN and Bebo fostered new informal styles of interaction. McCulloch highlights the generational shifts in expression, drawing parallels to historical communication methods. She also speculates on future trends shaped by short-form video platforms, emphasizing the complex evolution of language in our interconnected world.
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Informal Written Language
- The internet has increased informal written communication, like texting.
- This shift allows for more emotional expression and stylistic variations in writing.
Formal vs. Informal Language
- Edited writing tends to be homogenized, while informal speech is more personal.
- Casual language isn't "bad," but serves different purposes like bonding.
Acronyms and Language Evolution
- Acronyms like "OMG" initially increased typing efficiency but evolved to signal internet familiarity.
- Some internet acronyms might become ingrained in language, like "OK" did.
