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 BBC Learning English. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC 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
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Hello, I'm Lucy Hockings from the BBC World Service.
This is the global story.
For many thousands of years, language has been changing here in the uk.
The gradual departure from what became known as the Queen's English is a trend which has often been characterised as a threat to cultural identity.
But with the advent of social media, the pace of change may be running away from us.
Phrases like it's giving ris, no cap.
These are all terms which we attribute to Internet culture and specifically to younger, millennial and Gen Z demographics.
Guys, it's giving, it's given, it's given.
Boss energy, it's given holiday spirit.
Today we're considering how the mass migration to living our lives online is having an impact on the spoken word in the real world.
It's even made its mark on the Oxford English Dictionary.
Well, with me here in the studio today is former BBC journalist, author and linguist Sophia Smith Gayler and Neil Edgela, who is from BBC Learning English.
Lovely to have you both with us on the pod.
Neil, last night I sat with my teenage kids, as I now know you did as well, and said, I'm discussing language tomorrow.
Things have changed.
I'm hearing these words from you all the time.