Evolution of the English Language

Evolution of the English Language
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Abstract
Over the years, English has proved to be one of the most world’s spoken languages. As such, this indicates that the language spreads at a very high rate across the globe. However, the language has also undergone a significant transformation, to the extent that experts argue that these changes might gradually spell its end. Most notably, technology has impacted the way people communicate by loosening the boundaries of English usage. This study examines the effect of emojis and emoticons, two of the most popular technological elements that have taken communication by storm. At the same time, the post argues that these changes cannot be underrated as they will play a vital role in the future of the language. Additionally, the paper points out that these changes cannot be reversed even out of moral compulsion. Lastly, the study affirms that emojis and other social media communication styles can cause language use decay.
Keywords: English, language, emoji, emoticons, transformation, communication
Evolution of the English Language
English is the third most spoken language in the world with more than 400 million speakers (Bedi, 2016). This is a massive leap from the past and an indication of how fast it has spread across the globe. More so, the language has been evolving and will continue to do so in the coming years (Al-Kadi & Ahmed, 2018). Notably, new words are emerging daily and replacing old phrases, courtesy of innovation and slang technology.

For instance, expressions like “YOLO”, “Lol”, and “selfie” were not in the old version, but they have been gradually embraced in the modern form. As such, additions are inevitable in the future. More words will become obsolete and substituted with new phrases (Bedi, 2016). At the same time, the impact of technology will also impact the future of English. Typically, the use of “emojis” and emoticons will alter the conventional communication style.
Nobody has the moral obligation of preventing languages from dying. The core essence of language is to facilitate communication provided all the parties are in agreement. As such, the emergence of a new language (or its modification) is essential for continuity. At the same time, it will be insincere to think that language will remain static even as all the other social and cultural aspects keep changing over time (Bedi, 2016). The death of a language signals the emergence of a new one which suits the current generational needs. Additionally, nobody is permanent; let us use the language that is there as we exit the stage.
Abbreviations and emojis have transformed language use on social media and beyond. While they enhance efficiency and the speed of communication, they can decay language use. According to Ben Zimmer who is a linguist, emojis cannot stand independently, and whenever they are presumed to be able to stand alone, they communicate inaccurately (Robb, 2014). Equally, prolonged dependency on these symbols potentially means that the users will lose touch with the factual details of the subject of discussion; a case that is unlikely when language is applied.

References
Al-Kadi, A. M. T., & Ahmed, R. A. (2018). Evolution of English in the Internet Age. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 7(3), 727-736.
Bedi, I. K. (2016). Evolution of the English Language. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(6).Robb, A. (2014). How Using Emoji Makes Us Less Emotional. Retrieved from https://newrepublic.com/article/118562/emoticons-effect-way-we-communicate-linguists-study-effects