Language and technology are two very marriageable subjects, considering its mutual factors of transfer and encryption.
Language is the communication tool used to express meaning with the transfer of written symbols, spoken words or encrypted messages between a sender and a receiver.
Technology is sometimes just as abstract in its function, and yet quite concretely available around in almost every part of the general modern community’s function.
As technology’s infiltration in society undoubtedly contributes to the elements of speed and communication, the role of language has to adjust to stay relevant.
Not only is the need for upgraded technology to keep innovation moving essential, but also the accompanying of language to express these ideas and inventions and make their meaning viable to a (hopefully) teachable community.
The influence of technical inventions has in itself not only altered the way we communicate, but also evolved new language features.
Take for example, Mxlish – a SMS-styled abbreviated version of English to make texting quicker while thumbs race their way through mobile-based chat rooms.
Derived from the name of South African chat app Mxit, this was suggested as a tenth official language in South Africa because of its popularity.
New innovations also bring about the need for new words and writers, such as Phiwayinkosi Mbuyazi, who took advantage of the opportunity to bring neologisms into his tech novel for the benefit of Zulu mother tongue speakers.
Furthermore, language need not be a barrier as the global village connection is now much easier, making use of instant translation apps and programmes such as Kumasi and Xhosa Mobile, with the widely known also Google Translate among enablers of its kind.
Even those victims of spelling test failures can now type away confidently with aids such as autocorrect, though minding the amusing consequences of an ‘autoincorrect’ faux pas is highly recommended.
Social media enables even natural language averse subjects to avoid pen and paper while reaching to a community who can respond instantly to anything shared from a meal to a mood.
Business interaction has been modified by the progressive integration of tech solutions to fit consumers’ needs and bridge the gap of frustrating long processes.
While all the honour may go to technology as the source of advancement, language as
communication utility remains integral to its success.
Speech has gained a new gateway through technology, enabling society to express itself through mediums which breaches traditional barriers.
Nevertheless its risks, which might lead to desired retreating, should be counted as a warning rather than a passing threat as cyber crime and even spiteful connections can also incur.
Facebook and Twitter posts are counted as evidence in court and has cost users’ jobs, sentences and reputations.
As words create a message which can carry across an attempted meaning with an intended effect, the letters attached to or appearing on a screen now have an elevated position of consequence.
Use it or lose it, the language tool is an often overlooked part of the tech landscape which can shape your modern life according to your ability and awareness.
