LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 26:2 February 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

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         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
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         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

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Acronyms Across Generations: Language Evolution, Identity, and Communication Fluency

Subashini. E and
Dr. Sreejana S

Abstract

Language is dynamic and continuously shaped by social change, technological advancement, and generational identity. One notable aspect of contemporary language evolution is the increasing use of acronyms and abbreviated forms in everyday communication, particularly across digital platforms. This study examines the use of acronyms and words among different generations to understand how language reflects generational identity, communication fluency, and adaptability.

The study adopts a qualitative descriptive approach based on observational analysis of language use in both formal and informal contexts, including classroom interactions, peer conversations, and digital communication. The analysis reveals clear generational differences in language practices: younger generations demonstrate greater fluency and comfort with acronyms and informal expressions, while older generations tend to prefer complete lexical forms and structured language. Despite these differences, the findings indicate that acronym usage enhances communication efficiency and group identity rather than diminishing linguistic competence.

The study highlights that acronyms function as sociolinguistic markers of belonging, technological exposure, and communicative adaptability. By examining language use across generations, the paper contributes to understanding language evolution as a socially meaningful and context-driven process. The findings have implications for education, intergenerational communication, and the teaching of language fluency in digitally mediated environments.

Keywords:acronyms, digital platform, generational identity, adaptability, fluency, intergenerational communication

Introduction

Language is a dynamic and evolving system that reflects social change, cultural practices, and technological advancement. Linguists have long emphasized that language adapts in response to the communicative needs of its users and the contexts in which it is used (Crystal, 2001). In recent decades, the rapid expansion of digital communication has significantly reshaped everyday language practices, particularly through the increasing use of acronyms, abbreviations, and shortened lexical forms (Baron, 2008).

Digital platforms such as instant messaging applications and social media encourage speed, brevity, and informality, leading to the normalization of acronym-based communication. Research suggests that these linguistic forms are not random or careless but follow recognizable patterns shaped by social context and user communities (Tagliamonte & Denis, 2008). Younger generations, who have grown up with digital technologies, tend to demonstrate greater fluency and comfort in using acronyms as part of their routine communication, while older generations often prefer complete lexical forms and more structured language use (Herring, 2012).

From a sociolinguistic perspective, language choices function as markers of identity, group belonging, and social alignment. The use of acronyms can signal technological competence, in-group membership, and shared cultural knowledge within specific generational communities (Thurlow, 2006). Rather than representing linguistic decline, contemporary scholars argue that digital language practices reflect linguistic creativity and adaptation to new communicative environments (Crystal, 2008). However, the coexistence of traditional and digitally influenced language forms may also contribute to generational misunderstandings, particularly in academic, professional, and intergenerational communication contexts.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Subashini. E
I Year CSE Student
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
subashini.25cs@kct.ac.in
&
Dr. Sreejana S
Assistant Professor and Head
Department of Languages and Communication
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
sreejana.s.sci@kct.ac.in
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