Changes in communication; the impact of digitalisation on children’s communication and language use

Abstract

In the digital information age, the relationship between language and text has been placed on a new footing, and this is of great importance, as it can be a major step forward in our development and culturalisation. These technical achievements have the potential to make a significant impact on the development of humanity, which we all feel. It is reflected in our culture, in our scientific disciplines, and in our individual lifestyles. The electronic environment has also brought many changes to verbal, vocal, and non-verbal communication. The concept of discourse cannot be avoided in the study of electronic information flows. On one hand, it emphasises the analysis of the use of language; it is based on the natural language used by the subject and focuses on regularities rather than rules. On the other hand, it is a speech event that is indirectly produced according to the expectations of a situation. With regard to the grouping of written and spoken discourse, the differentiation between informal and formal written and spoken language is further related. The topic of my writing is the study of language use and communication in today's children. Their communication is quite different from that of previous generations. They have a different milieu, a different medium. These differences are partly due to digitalisation and partly to the way they lead their lives in a rapidly changing world. This has a natural impact on both communication and rhetoric. The changes in the world, the digital environment and social phenomena have had a huge impact on the way we speak and communicate. This is natural, but how does it affect our children and young people? Do they in the communication with their peers find ways how to express themselves in each situation in the perception of the constant presence of the digital medium?