Whether you openly admit it, or have just subconsciously noticed it, technology has, and continues to change our language, and language patterns in so many ways. It really is a fascinating phenomenon to see unfold, because language is so telling of our culture, and general way of life. If you’re not quite sure what technology has contributed to language, take a look at these pretty concrete examples. These are just a few things that technology has made its mark on the way we write, think and speak.
- The use of acronyms– When was the last time you used LOL, OMG, and BRB? It was probably when you were texting or chatting with someone, right? Well, these 3 words are examples of acronyms. Acronyms, a few years ago, was only something that the military pretty much used. However, with the advent of text, as well as limited character spacing, there had to be a way to express things in a shorter many. Thus, the use of acronyms, in normal, daily life were born.
- Technology has created a slew of new words that did not even exist before. If you asked someone to Google something 50 years ago, you might have been met with a blank stare. The same if you say “Did you see her tweet?” These days though, we know that to Google means to look up in the Google search engine, and to tweet means a 140-character status on Twitter, a social media site.
- Shorthand speaking (or texting)– Limited characters for texting have not only made way for acronyms, but for a creative way to shorthand as well. For “you are”, texters often use “U R”. “See you” is transformed to “ C U”, and great is even “gr8” at times. These are just a few creative ways on how text attempts to simplify language.
So, are you guilty of doing any of these things? Do you constantly use creative shorthand, or acronyms when you text? Have you used the words “tweet” and “google” in your recent conversations? If you have, then technology has even affected your language! While these are the most common ways that technology seems to be changing language, they are not the only ones. Do you know of any examples of your own? We’d love to hear about it!
Guest post by Sam Briones, a freelance writer and also contributes at Technovate Translations. If not writing for the language and culture subject, she's on the keyboard writing about fashion and pop culture.

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Anand Hittinali
February 19, 2013 at 12:00 pm
tweeting, liking and smiles are the in thing now and for techie buffs it is timesaving also than longer words. thanx 4 sharing.
Julia Spencer
February 19, 2013 at 5:32 pm
It’s a little bit sad that our language is changing now. I can’t even predict what language will my grandchildren or their children have in 30 or 40 years. It will be completely different
Julia Spencer’s recent post.. Likes and Recommendations: 4 Must Use Facebook Plugins
Sam
February 19, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Great post Sam, it’s always interesting to read about things we take for granted. I use LOL and the term ‘Google it’ on a daily basis either on Skype or in a text message. I wonder what our day to day language will be like in 20 years.
Justin Thomson
February 20, 2013 at 9:40 am
Creative featured way to know the concept of changing the language of technology. I work as a mobile app developer and I know the importance of programming language. The exclusive content extremely unveils the most promising info. It’s awesomely one of most experienced source about growing technology. Sam, you have done fabulous job to unveil this info. It’s informative.
Sam Briones
February 21, 2013 at 1:58 am
It really is changing all the time, there are words and shortcuts that I learn about everyday, such as PFA (please find attached), I never knew that before 🙂
Evan
February 21, 2013 at 8:07 am
It makes sense only when you are in a hurry, it is not a spy game. i try not you use acronyms pretty often but when i need to write something very fast or type an sms while driving and so on. I don’t understand people who really speak this language, I mean, I heard recently two guys were talking and instead of the word “funny” he said LOL./… I was confused and furious at the same time… That’s the deal..,.
Johndevid5311
June 28, 2013 at 10:02 am
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