The Evolution of the English Language Since the 1970s: A Journey Through Dialects, New Terminology, and Grammar Changes

Over the past half-century, the English language has undergone significant changes. These changes have been driven by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and the evolving needs of a global society. In this article, we will explore how the English language has evolved since the 1970s, focusing on dialects, new terminology, and grammatical shifts.

Dialectal Evolution: The Influence of Mass Entertainment

The 1970s saw a notable shift in the way the English language was disseminated and perceived. Prior to this period, radio and television, which were relatively new mediums, helped to unify people, reducing the dominance of regional dialects. In the 1950s, Received Pronunciation (RP) was more prevalent, and local dialects were less prominent. However, as mass entertainment grew, the influence of regional accents began to fade.

By the 21st century, this trend has continued with the advent of broadband internet, social media, and streaming platforms. These technologies have further homogenized the English language, making standard British English or American English more widely recognized and accepted across different regions.

New Terminology: The Birth of Neologisms

One of the most significant changes in the English language since the 1970s has been the emergence of new words, particularly those related to technology and digital communication. Words like computer, email, and social media were virtually non-existent before the 1970s but have since become indispensable parts of our daily vocabularies. With the rise of smartphones and social networking sites, a whole new lexicon has developed to describe the digital age.

Example: The phrase selfie (a self-portrait taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media site) was not part of the English language until the late 2000s. Today, it is used globally and even included in some dictionaries.

Grammatical Shifts: The Changing Face of Gendered Language

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy grammatical shifts in the English language since the 1970s has been the evolution of gendered language. In the 1960s and 1970s, the singular he was commonly used to refer to both men and women, as seen in the sentence:

A surgeon must know his patient's history.

However, with the rise of gender equality and the feminist movement, this usage began to change. In the 1980s, the inclusion of she or her in the same sentence became more common:

A surgeon must know her patient's history but it is a nurse who is most responsible for his patient's comfort.

By the 1990s and 2000s, the concept of gender-neutral language gained more traction. The use of he and she alternately in the same sentence became more accepted:

A surgeon must know her patient's history and a nurse must provide her patient with skilled care.

In recent years, the acceptability of the singular they has increased, not only in casual speech but also in formal writing. This shift reflects a broader cultural acceptance of non-binary gender identities and the need for inclusive language.

A surgeon must know their patient's history.

This change in grammatical constructs represents a significant evolution in the use of the English language, reflecting societal changes in understanding and acceptance of gender diversity.

Conclusion

The evolution of the English language since the 1970s is a complex and multifaceted process influenced by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and increasing awareness of linguistic diversity. As we continue to embrace new terminology and grammatical shifts, the English language remains a dynamic and evolving phenomenon that continues to reflect the changing world around us.