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Languages that don’t change over time are considered dead languages. The fact that English changes so much, shows that it is alive and well. Because English has changed over time, speakers of 1500 AD would not have understood an English speaker from 500 AD or the modern day English spoken today. The first written English dates back to 450 AD. Over time it has evolved from the use of “Old English,” to “Middle English,” “Early Modern English,” to present day “Modern English.” These changes are a direct reflection of the era in which the English was spoken and the modern day technology available. The simple expression “Dude,” in 1880, described a man who went slightly overboard with his fashion. And today, the expression has become part of the teenage vocabulary as a way to show excitement. Times they are a changing, and the English language will continue to do so as well.

When the first mobile phone was invented in 1956, it lacked mobility. As the phone shrunk in size, it became more portable and thumb friendly. Devices such as cell phones and computers have dramatically changed the way we communicate with each other. The percentage of 8 to 18 year olds who own a  postpaid or prepaid cell phone or lap top has significantly increased from 2004 to 2009. People are doing less talking then texting.

With the development of technology and the use of cell phones and computers, people are more commonly text messaging, instant messaging and emailing one another, as another way of communication. To accommodate technology, people have devised abbreviated versions of words to be able to communicate more quickly, referred to as “Textise.” Symbols, referred to as “Codex,” can also be used to express your emotions through digital characters as an alternative to conventional language. [Read more…]