Spoken by around 1.46 billion people globally and adopted as the lingua franca in the world of international business, it’s evident that the English language is well-known.

The language is now transforming, most of which can be attributed to the growing advancements in the tech world. This is formally called a ‘semantic shift’; the word is the same as before but with a new meaning. David Crystal, a linguist, also mentions this phenomenon and talks about how technology contributes to this change.

One example of this is the word ‘troll’. It used to describe a large, ugly mythical creature that would roam caves. Today, we know this term from ‘internet trolls’, people who harass others online with hateful comments.

Let’s take a look at more ways the English language has changed over time due to advancements in technology.

Proxies Then and Now

Our concept of ‘proxy’ has changed with time. It initially meant a person who was given authorization to act on behalf of someone else, especially within legal, political, and business contexts. We commonly know this term now in the context of proxy servers, which are tools for online freedom. Users can bypass geo-restrictions online and browse anonymously and privately. However, for many of them, it’s also about having a sense of belonging to a part of the world that was previously inaccessible.

This is especially the case for people from around the world using a US proxy to access online content that’s exclusive to America. Millions of users across Asia, the EU, South America, and more use US proxies to feel more included in the online space in the country. They can access region-specific TV shows and streaming platforms, as well as online marketplaces and job sites that were previously only accessible to those in the US, giving completely new weight to the term “proxy”.

The meaning of the word has changed and so too has its symbolic power. In many ways, using a proxy is akin to using a passport to cross physical boundaries. The difference is that it’s virtual and allows you to cross boundaries online and access a new reality.

From Flowing Rivers to Screens: The Evolution of “Stream”

‘Stream’ originally meant a small body of water that is flowing, similar to a river, but now it’s come to be associated with digital media content. If we see the etymology of this term, it came about from a Proto-Germanic word ‘strauma’.

Stream now refers to the delivery of modern audio or video, popularized by companies like Netflix and Spotify, where users can play media continuously without needing to download it. Consumers today spend 3.2 hours on average per day on Netflix, which goes to show the popularity of streaming.

Beyond the Sky: How “Cloud” Became a Digital Haven

The term ‘cloud’ used to exclusively mean a mass of water vapor in the sky, in contrast to its modern-day association with remote digital storage and computing. While the old meaning is still in use, the repurposing of this word to reflect on digital advancement is in line with how technological adaptation evolves English.

Cloud computing began in the 1960s, during which the word started to change meanings. But the one we’re familiar with appeared around the early 2000s. We used to think of data as something physically stored on a device; now, the ‘cloud’ has reshaped this perception. We feel like our digital information has no weight, with it floating somewhere digitally even though it’s technically housed in physical data centers.

The Power of Words

The transformation of language is a dynamic process, having much to do with the way the world changes, with technological advancements being only one factor. As culture and technology shift, so does language, working like a mirror, reflecting our society.

Misunderstandings while using these changing terms can be common, especially if two different generations are interacting. For instance, the use of the word ‘cookie’ years ago vs now can have a vastly different meaning among two generations of people. An older generation might be confused as to why the term is commonly now used to describe information that’s saved online regarding your activity on a website. It can seem complex and strange to an older generation, whereas those who have grown up with online ‘cookies’ understand it easily and can easily distinguish between virtual ones and the baked treats.

These changes are also reflected in educational content, where material and curriculum must be updated to ensure everything remains relevant according to today’s technology.

English in the Digital Age

The English language is flexible, which is why it constantly changes. This has allowed it to work effectively in a world dominated by technology. From puns based on games to new advancements in tech, the English language is continuously adapting.

As technology continues to shape our communication, we have to ponder what other words might evolve over the next decade. Maybe one day, ‘typing’ will become redundant as technology takes over and removes the need for us to physically type anymore. The future of language is just as fascinating to think about as the past.