E–learning and language change — Observations, tendencies and reflections


E–learning and language change — Observations, tendencies and reflections by Henrik Hansson and Sylvia van de Bunt–Kokhuis
http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue9_8/hansson/index.html#author
Perhaps more relevant for non-English language teachers as it reflects on English's influence in other languages. In any case it's a good read.

This paper discusses the globalization of e–learning, changes in languages as an effect of distance technologies and the lingua franca of modern times, English, and its effects on other languages. Hybrid languages such as Spanglish (Spanish English) and Swenglish (Swedish English) emerges as an effect of the increasing interaction between non–English languages and the dominant English language. The need for speed and efficiency in communication and the adaptation to new technology changes language dramatically as is observed in chat and SMS–mediated communication. The complexity of modern human communication is discussed with a historical perspective — the old modes of communication can now be used via Internet but this transfer changes their characteristics.


Posted: Mon - August 16, 2004 at 05:16 PM            

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