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
Read now to access more details of Machines and the English languageDr Sandra Williams, research fellow in natural language, argues that machines have been the biggest influence on the transformation of Britain’s official language.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Radio and the English language
Read now to access more details of Radio and the English languageBarbara Mayor, lecturer in the Centre for Language and Communication at The Open University, thinks radio has had the biggest impact on the development of the English language
Level: 1 Introductory
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The internet and the English language
Read now to access more details of The internet and the English languageMark Swinson, business leader at IBM and OU graduate suggests the internet has been the biggest influence on the English language's development
Level: 1 Introductory
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Globalisation and the English language
Read now to access more details of Globalisation and the English languageGlobalisation 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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Bridging and the English language
Read now to access more details of Bridging and the English languageDr 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
Level: 1 Introductory
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Loss of diversity and the English language
Read now to access more details of Loss of diversity and the English languageDr Daniel Allington thinks loss of diversity has impacted on the development of the English Language the most
Level: 1 Introductory
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I consider the biggest influence on the English language has been the influx of American words and slang. Imported Americanisms have been promoted by the media because it is seen to be fashionable and trendy. The sad thing about an imported word is that there is usually quite an adequate English word already. Typical examples (with the English word in brackets) are: back-to-back (consecutive), blown away (astonished), tuxedo (dinner jacket), under wraps (covered), up for grabs (available), chill out (relax), scary (frightening), hassle (trouble), bottom line (conclusion), showcasing (showing), sucks (undesirable), washroom (toilet), makeover (refurbishment), bug (insect), autopsy (post mortem), start over (start again), sunscreen (sun tan cream), train station (railway station), regular (medium), candy (sweets), movie (film), sub (filled roll), tub (bath), etc.
Other American words that have crept into daily use are: ***, ATM, cell phone, butt, goof off, gridlock, ID, kick-start, cool, multi-disciplinary, percentage point, six pack, slash, tab, to go, drive thru, trash, goose bumps, romcom, high fives, heist, leveraging. The list is almost endless.
So you can see how widespread the etymological takeover has been.