Will language evolve significantly in the next 500 years?

Answer 1

Hi there!

The short answer is, yes. In fact, the English language seems to be changing all the time!

Here's why I can say that:

First, look at the history of the English language. Have you ever read Shakespeare? When I did, there were many words and expressions I had to look up, even though I am a competent, native English speaker. And that was written centuries ago! Even over the last 50 years, English has had words added and spellings and meanings changed on a consistent basis. This is because the major or open word class, which includes nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs, constantly has new words added to it. Think of nouns like "smartphone", "laptop", and "download" (which can be a verb as well!), words from technology added because of the advances that have been made. Also, some words have new meanings, such as the word "gay". It was once a verb describing the emotional state of being carefree. Now it refers to a person being homosexual. Very different meaning! And I haven't even started with the use of acronyms and alternative spellings used in texting. I can't tell you how many times I want to use "thru" in my writing instead of the prescriptively accurate "through"!

English, of course, is not the only language to experience this. And some languages, like Latin, die out, meaning that they are no longer used by a group of people as their native tongue.

Wait until you see what the next ten years bring in language evolution!