Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

How social media shapes the way we speak

Internet culture is speeding up language change.

Language is constantly changing. But exposure to social media has seen younger generations, from millennials to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, adopting new terms at a pace never seen before. On this episode, we consider how internet culture is influencing the way many of us speak, as traditional media loses its grip on standard discourse. From vocabulary to grammar, is it possible for politicians to control or protect language, and what is the future of the spoken word in the age of artificial intelligence?

Lucy Hockings is joined by journalist and author Sophia Smith Galer and Neil Edgeller from 大象传媒 Learning English.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from 大象传媒 journalists worldwide. We want your ideas to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Eleanor Sly and Laurie Kalus

Sound engineers: Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Release date:

26 minutes

On radio

Monday 11:32GMT

Featured

  • .

Broadcast

  • Monday 11:32GMT

Podcast