TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN LANGUAGE CONTACT: THE DIGITAL EVOLUTION OF LINGUISTIC INTERACTION

Abstract

This study explores the evolving dynamics of language contact in the digital age, focusing on how digital technology, particularly social media and online forums, facilitates new forms of linguistic interaction and innovation. Unlike traditional language contact facilitated through physical means such as trade or migration, digital platforms offer immediate and global communication channels, enabling linguistic features to spread and evolve at unprecedented rates. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining computational analysis of linguistic features in digital posts with qualitative interviews, this research investigates the nuances of digital language contact. It delves into phenomena such as slang creation, code-switching, and the dissemination of linguistic features across global digital networks.