Britain’s official language has undergone huge transformation over the past 100 years, but what has had the biggest influence on that change?
Six experts were asked for their suggestions. Read their responses below then join the debate – tell us what YOU think has had the greatest impact on the evolution of English by adding your comments below to share your views.
What do the experts think?
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Machines and the English language
Dr Sandra Williams, research fellow in natural language, argues that machines have been the biggest influence on the transformation of Britain’s official language.
Read nowMachines and the English languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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Radio and the English language
Barbara Mayor, lecturer in the Centre for Language and Communication at The Open University, thinks radio has had the biggest impact on thedevelopment of the English language
Read nowRadio and the English languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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The internet and the English language
Mark Swinson, business leader at IBM and OU graduate suggests the internet has been the biggest influence on the English language's development
Read nowThe internet and the English languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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Globalisation and the English language
Globalisation has influenced the evolution of the English language the most, according to Dr Maria Leedham, in this short piece based on the transcript of a phone interview.
Read nowGlobalisation and the English languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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Bridging and the English language
Dr Fiona Doloughan, lecturer in Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University, thinks the fact that English has become a bridging language has impacted it the most
Read nowBridging and the English languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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Loss of diversity and the English language
Dr Daniel Allington thinks loss of diversity has impacted on the development of the English Language the most
Read nowLoss of diversity and the English languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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