The concepts of loanwords and globalization support the idea that English is absorbing words from other languages and incorporating them into its own. The present day world has increasingly become interconnected through what is known as globalization. According to Odegova and Zabulionite (475), “this interconnection, “has spelled the need for people to adopt words used by different languages.” For instance, Spanish words such as “tortilla” and “Desperado” are now common among the English speaking people. This discourse might be viewed in a negative light. However, as a matter of fact, the loanwords evidence the degree to which culture is becoming enriched. Al Btoush (98) affirmed this claim by stating that “loanwords have never been unfashionable and that in English-speaking countries, including Britain.” The scholar added that there has never been an institute that restricts the use of borrowed words. Nkoro (64) stated that “owing to globalization, words have gradually and progressively permeated the English community and thereby becoming an aspect of the linguistic repertoire.” Into the future, it is highly likely new loanwords will be integrated into the English culture. Just to mention a few, terms and phrases such as “my bestie” and “my bad” are likely to become part of the English domain. In the light of this context, it is apparent that globalization is an enhancing influence on the English language rather than serving to degenerate it.
Social media has also played a significant part in ornamenting the English language. Schwartz et al. (73) asserted that “the impact that social media has had on language, people and education is hugely constructive.” Social media, unlike other forms of communication, is known for its effectiveness especially concerning the speed involved. This speed has been acknowledged for its tendency of encouraging unforeseen shifts in the English language. Indeed, social media works to transform the language in the same manner as Cable TV. Cable TV arrived in India in mid-1990s. Several English channels such as BBC and CNN developed to become overly prominent with the Indians. As Cable TV spread across different Indian communities, the behavioural tendencies along with the lifestyle of the Indians began changing. For instance, a new language, which is commonly acknowledged as “Hinglish,” developed. This language brings English and Hindi together. As such, the “Hinglish” statements are characterized by a combination of English and Hindu words. Nevertheless, Al Btoush (98) revealed that “the makeup of these sentences is correct and natural.” The social media has served in the same manner as Cable TV. Since the latter years of the 2000s, social media has become synonymous with people’s lifestyles. As such, people are now using social media more than they are engaging in other activities. Along with social media has come an enhanced form of English language. A good example is the short-code term “OMG.” This is indeed a complete phrase, only that it has been shortened. It represents “Oh My God.” It is used mostly when expressing astonishment. In the light of this, the mixing of a diverse range of languages is entirely normal. Odegova and Zabulionite (479) stated that “This is so even where the discourse fails to confirm to the rules of the languages in an isolated context.” The case of social media, just like globalization signifies that, rather than deteriorating, the English language is indeed being enriched.
The case of colloquial expressions can also be used to prove that the English language is not deteriorating, but instead, it is adjusting to the needs of the speakers. In its broadest form, colloquial expressions refer to informal words, phrases and slangs, often in a piece of writing. However, colloquial expressions can also be found in speeches. Schwartz et al. (79) revealed that “idiomatic expressions are usually integrated where writers, as members of the society, are influenced by the manner in which people speak within that particular community.” It has been documented that colloquial expressions arise as the youths and new generations modify the English language into slang. Some “slang” often last for a long time. However, informal terms only last for a significantly short time. For those that last for a long period, they are often integrated into the English language culture. Some of the most common slang terms, which are now recognized as part of the English language, include LOL, ASAP, and ATM. Respectively, these terms refer to “laugh out loudest,” “As Soon as Possible,” and “At the Moment.” Especially the latter slang, it is common to find them in different communication contexts, including the official ones. What this clearly shows is that most changes introduced to the English language are not only natural but also necessarily. They usually assist the English language to suit or adapt to any communication context. At the same time, Nkoro (67) “the alterations support the English language to keep up with the world as it moves into the future.” Given the current slang and its rate of integration with the English language, it should be least expected that going into the future; English will adopt an entirely different shape. Nevertheless, the identity of the language will remain. This is to say that, regardless of the degree of alterations to the language, English will not transition into another language. The maintenance of the language’s identity signifies that English is not disintegrating. In line with Winter-Froemel (65)’s thoughts, there is no way that a language can deteriorate but still maintain its identity. In the light of this, it is apparent that colloquial expressions serve to enhance the language under consideration.
The proponents of English language as deteriorating have often focused on the academic sphere to prove their case. According to these supporters, as a result of changes in English language, students are now becoming poorer in language proficiency, yet this is needed for them to succeed in their academic work. It has been claimed that students are now adopting the use of informal terms such as “ASAP.” However, since the curriculum does not recognize such terms, these students end up failing in their programs of study. This position makes a sound logic. While this is the case, what these proponents do not consider is that the changes in the English language are bringing in the aspect of bilingualism. As regard to bilingual speakers attests, if a person can speak a range of English versions, it is recommended to carry on with such a course. This is primarily due to the notion that the knowledge of diverse English styles provides a person with lots of flexibility. At the same time, it helps a person to fit within any English-oriented English context. The majority of individuals are likely to accept the fact that there are time and place for varied language styles. What this language expert tries to put forth is that informal language as the one created by globalization and social media might not serve as the most appropriate choice for religious ceremonies and court documents. While this is the case, Schwartz, et al. (77) revealed that “facilitated over time, a natural shift in language tends to reflect what people think.” In the light of this, according to Winter-Froemel (65), it is of central importance to embrace a change in language, acknowledging and embracing it as something constructive. Winter-Froemel (65) stated that “a change in language confirms the ability of human beings to adapt.” A language that follows the pattern followed by the world, regarding the change, often provides its speakers with the capacity to communicate in a more precise manner. This is the nature of communication that people often seek eventually.
Works Cited
Al Btoush, Mohammad Abedltif. "English Loanwords in Colloquial Jordanian Arabic." International Journal of Linguistics 6.2 (2014): 98.
Nkoro, Ihechi Obisike. "Literary Translation and Loanwords: A Study of English and Igbo Translations of Franz Kafka’s Brief an den Vater." Sino-US English Teaching 13.1 (2016): 63-71.
Odegova, Olga V., and Kristina-Audra Zabulionite. "Linguacultural Globalization: Objective Tendencies and the Perspective Issue." Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 154 (2014): 475-481.
Schwartz, H. Andrew, et al. "Personality, gender, and age in the language of social media: The open-vocabulary approach." PloS one 8.9 (2013): 73-79.
Winter-Froemel, Esme. "Formal variance and semantic changes in borrowing: Integrating semasiology and onomasiology." New Perspectives on Lexical Borrowing: Onomasiological, Methodological and Phraseological Innovations 7 (2014): 65.
