Language is often perceived as a fixed set of rules, enshrined in dictionaries and grammar books. But having studied English Language at university, I learned that language is anything but static—it is a constantly evolving system that adapts to the needs of its speakers. Today, the greatest catalyst for this change isn’t conquest or migration, but technology. For an author, understanding this rapid, digital evolution is crucial, as it provides the raw material for creating contemporary and believable character voices, even in fantastical settings.
The University Foundation
My studies in English Language provided a vital foundation, teaching me the structural history and historical shifts that have continually redefined English over centuries. We analysed everything from Old English manuscripts to the linguistic impact of Shakespeare, learning that what is considered “correct” today was once a radical departure from the norm. This background gives me a critical lens for viewing modern changes, ensuring I don’t see new trends as errors, but as another fascinating chapter in the language’s ongoing story.
This deep dive into historical language shifts, like the Great Vowel Shift or the normalisation of formerly slang terms, proves that the core principles of linguistic change remain constant. However, the speed at which these changes occur has been accelerated exponentially by digital platforms. By understanding how language changes, I can better predict and incorporate new linguistic styles into my work without letting them date the text too quickly.
Technology and Linguistic Change
The eminent linguist David Crystal has spent much of his career documenting how technology—from the telegraph to instant messaging—does not harm language, but rather provides new avenues for creative expression. He argues that things like textspeak, abbreviations, and the rapid adoption of new internet slang are not a sign of decay, but of functionality; we adapt language to the medium, choosing the most efficient and expressive style available. The idea that technology ruins language simply misses the point that language is designed to be functional.
We see this adaptability everywhere, from the rise of emoji replacing tone-of-voice in text, to the functional shift of punctuation (e.g., using a period at the end of a text message to convey passive-aggression or finality). These aren’t random mistakes; they are highly sophisticated, subtle linguistic innovations invented by users. For a writer, this provides a rich toolkit for character development: a character’s digital dialect can now be as revealing as their formal speech patterns.
The Writer’s Mandate
As authors, our mandate is to reflect the way people authentically communicate, and that communication is now deeply infused with technological shorthands and digital dialects. Observing these real-world changes informs how I write contemporary dialogue, ensuring it sounds natural and immediate. More importantly, it teaches me how to craft believable fictional dialects for my novel settings, perhaps by inventing a unique set of abbreviations or a grammar quirk that only exists within a certain online faction or futuristic society.
Ultimately, the study of language and technology teaches me that language is not a fortress to be defended, but a massive ocean that constantly shifts its boundaries. While the core of storytelling still demands clarity and precision, a nuanced understanding of these digital shifts allows me to give my characters a deeper, more realistic voice. It’s a continual learning process, ensuring my worlds—and the people in them—never stop feeling relevant.
A. R. Hurst 