Trends
Once, words echoed within the confines of regions and nations. Today, they travel at the speed of a click, shaped by generations that don’t just ‘use’ language, but continually recreate it. In a world where a meme can connect Rome and Tokyo in an instant, language becomes the invisible thread that connects cultures and identities, embodying the rapid changes of the digital age. This leads to the need to explore how online interactions and the encounters between local languages and English are shaping new expressive codes, revolutionizing the way we communicate and understand the world.
In these pages, we delve into the linguistic evolution that is reshaping contemporary cultures, emphasizing the crucial role of digital interactions in shaping new modes of communication.
Through an anthropological and ethnographic lens, we examine the dynamics of hybridization and multiculturalism that emerge from the encounter between local languages and English, the global lingua franca. The rapid creation and spread of neologisms in digital contexts is not just a linguistic phenomenon, but a key to understanding global interconnection and its cultural implications.
The Alpha and Beta generations, the protagonists of this transformation, don’t just use language – they reinvent it. This process of linguistic innovation highlights our ability to adapt to a world where social media, language blending, and advanced technologies create new expressive spaces. Language analysis becomes a crucial tool for grasping the future of cultural connections and social relations in a global landscape that is increasingly interconnected.
The first part of this research focuses on data and observations of Generation Alpha in the present, while the second part, dedicated to Generations Beta, Gamma, and Delta, is a predictive exercise based on what we know today. The aim is not merely to trace a potential linguistic development, but to envision scenarios that do not yet exist, imagining how language might evolve in a context where the boundaries between human and artificial are increasingly blurred. The generational approach, while useful for analyzing social changes, is revealing its limitations in an era where technologies and communication methods create cross-cutting connections between different age groups.
Today, multiple generations share similar attitudes and interact in the same digital ecosystems, blurring the traditional age group boundaries. However, what sets the new generations apart is their inevitable role in shaping the world’s future, as they will live longer. This temporal continuity enables us to view language not only as a phenomenon that evolves over time, but as a tool that shapes the future itself, shaping new forms of expression, connection, and identity.
The aim is not merely to trace a potential linguistic development, but to envision scenarios that do not yet exist, imagining how language might evolve in a context where the boundaries between human and artificial are increasingly blurred.
Language as a Dynamic and Creative System
Language is not static: it constantly evolves, adapting to cultural, social, and technological changes.
Like a living organism, it evolves in response to the stimuli of time, reflecting new forms of interaction, expression, and identity. In the digital age, this evolution is accelerated by the continuous overlap of local and global languages, resulting in a fluid and interconnected linguistic ecosystem.
The new generations don’t just use language as a means of communication; they constantly reinvent it, transforming it into a creative tool to represent themselves and the world they live in.
Language as a Living and Breathing Entity
Language is the DNA of human creativity: every word, neologism, and expression evolves over time, shaping and reflecting social reality. Linguistic transformations are driven by cultural and technological shifts, as well as the need to express new emotions and concepts. In the digital age, this process is intensifying, resulting in the emergence of neologisms, abbreviations, symbols, and novel syntactic structures that defy traditional conventions.
Linguistic innovation is particularly evident in the emerging generation Alpha, who growing up in a hyperconnected world, is redefining the rules of communication. For them, language is not just a code for conveying information, but a constant playground for experimentation. By blending linguistic elements from multiple languages and integrating digital tools like emojis, memes, and videos, they’re crafting innovative ways of expression that transcend the linearity of traditional language.
Language and Identity: Beyond Communication
For the new generations, language is more than just a means of communication: it’s a way to establish identity and a sense of belonging. Through the use of slang, abbreviations, and shared cultural references, they identify with fluid communities, defined more by their linguistic codes than by geography. Digitalization has accelerated this phenomenon, breaking down spatial barriers and fostering an unprecedented linguistic fusion.
The fusion of English and local languages has given rise to hybrid forms of communication, where words take on new meanings depending on their context. This ongoing reworking of language is not just a sign of creativity, but also of adaptability. The new generations navigate the complexity of the contemporary world through language, developing expressive codes that reflect their unique perception of reality. As William Gibson once said, ‘The future is already here, but it’s not evenly distributed.’ Generation Alpha embodies this future, growing up in an environment where the boundaries between the digital and the physical are blurred.
Future Projections: The Language of the Beta, Gamma and Delta Generations
While the observation of Generation Alpha is grounded in concrete data and present-day analysis, the study of Generations Beta (born between 2025-2039), Gamma (born between 2040 2054), and Delta (Gen Alpha’s children) takes on a predictive nature. Based on the ongoing transformations, we can predict that language will continue to evolve, becoming increasingly multimodal and interactive. The integration of artificial intelligence into everyday communication could lead to new forms of dialogue, where language technologies will no longer be mere support tools, but true co-creators of expression. The Beta and Gamma Generations will navigate a world where writing and speaking will be complemented by immersive experiences, thanks to the use of technologies. Words may lose their central role, giving way to new expressive codes based on images, sounds, and gestures.
Language
Imminent Section
Step into Imminent’s language section, where leading voices share sharp insights on the evolution of languages and localization.
Read MoreGeneration Alpha: Who Are They?
The Alpha Generation, made up of individuals born after 2010, is growing up in a hyper-connected world, where technology is an integral part of their daily lives. They’ve never known a life without smartphones, voice assistants, and artificial intelligence. From birth, they’ve interacted with digital devices in ways that would have been unimaginable to previous generations. Instant access to information, personalized learning, and immersive experiences are shaping their perception of the world, making them the first generation fully integrated with digital technology.
This generation, already making up a seventh of the global population, is revolutionizing family and social dynamics. Every week, approximately 2.8 million Alphas are born, and by end of this year, in 2025, they will reach 2.2 billion,1 making them the largest generation ever. The majority of them were born in Asia, primarily in India, China, and Indonesia, suggesting that in the mid 2030s, the global middle class will be predominantly Asian. Their growth will unfold amidst a rapidly urbanizing landscape, in cities that are increasingly technological and interconnected, reshaping global economic and social balances. Their identity is deeply shaped by digitalization, but it’s not just that. They are the offspring of older parents, hailing from smaller families, with a richer cultural tapestry and a higher average standard of living. This influences their education, life expectations, and worldview. Compared to their predecessors, they will explore their potential in a more time-consuming manner. They will delay parenthood, prolong their study and experimentation phase, and redefine the boundaries of adolescence.
A Unique Relationship with Technology and Consumption
The Alphas don’t differentiate between the real and the virtual: technology is a natural extension of their identity.2 They engage with artificial intelligence for learning, creativity, and entertainment, and have been using voice assistants like Siri and Alexa since their early years. Their free time is increasingly intertwined with the digital world, with a strong interest in gaming, which is not just a hobby but also a space for socializing and experimentation. Games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite provide them with user-generated spaces where they can build, explore, and collaborate with other players.
This change is also reflected in their consumption patterns. The Alphas are redefining the concept of ownership and value: they increasingly favor virtual goods over physical ones. A survey revealed that 60% of parents surveyed reported that their children would gladly trade a small amount of money for virtual currency to use in video games.3 This shift towards digital experiences is challenging traditional market dynamics and is already impacting the retail and entertainment industries.
Navigating Innovation and Global Crises
The Alphas are the first generation born into a world where environmental, economic, and health crises are a daily reality. Many of them spent their early years during the Covid-19 pandemic, an event that significantly impacted their socialization and relationship with health and safety. A study conducted in Ireland4 on children born during the initial months of the lockdown revealed that, on average, only three people had kissed them in their first months of life, and one in four had not met a peer within the first year. The use of masks and social distancing made it more challenging for some of them to learn facial expressions and non-verbal communication.5
Beyond the pandemic, they are growing up in a world marked by a sense of climate emergency. However, unlike previous generations who experienced climate change as a looming threat, the Alphas seem more inclined to seek solutions. They see sustainability not as a sacrifice, but as a chance to innovate. They will likely spearhead a new, more conscious, and less predatory approach to technology, where progress and sustainability go hand in hand.
Every week, approximately 2.8 million Alphas are born, and by end of this year, in 2025, they will reach 2.2 billion, making them the largest generation ever.
Moving Towards a New Society
The education of the Alpha generation is already undergoing significant transformations. Their learning journey will be more flexible than previous generations, with a growing emphasis on personalization through artificial intelligence and a focus on practical and creative skills. Traditional educational systems are gradually being decolonized and adapted to a more inclusive and interconnected society. The very concept of family and interpersonal relationships is also evolving. Traditional family models are being replaced by new, more fluid and diverse forms of coexistence. Alpha children grow up in an environment where diversity is the norm, fostering a greater openness to inclusion and understanding of differences. Nearly half (41%) of them view technology as a tool to improve the world, but they don’t just focus on the digital dimension. Despite being immersed in a hyper-technological environment, they still seek genuine contact and authentic relationships beyond the screens. Finding this balance between the digital and physical worlds will be one of the most intriguing challenges for their development.
The Alphas are not merely the next generation of consumers and workers; they are a generation that is rewriting the rules of the game. These visionaries and creatives are growing up with a change-oriented mindset, ready to challenge traditional models and build a future where innovation, sustainability, and inclusion are the cornerstones.
Neologisms and Slangs: The Influence of Social Media
Over the past few decades, the evolution of language in social media has taken a surprising turn, revolutionizing the way people communicate and interact online. The study “Patterns of linguistic simplification on social media platforms over time”, 6 examines how language has evolved in online comments. It analyzes approximately 300 million English-language comments across eight different platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, and Telegram, spanning over three decades.
The findings reveal a consistent trend towards language simplification: comments are becoming shorter, lexical variety is decreasing, and repetitiveness is dwindling. However, simplification also involves eliminating redundancies and enhancing morphological and lexical transparency.
This transformation doesn’t impoverish communication, but rather adapts it to digital dynamics, emphasizing speed and effectiveness. In other words, simplification is not an absolute parameter, but rather an adaptation of language that enhances its comprehensibility for those who use it.
Another key finding from the study is that the pace at which users introduce new words remains remarkably consistent over time. This suggests that linguistic creativity has not diminished, but has simply evolved to embrace new forms of expression.
Moreover, the differences between platforms are less pronounced than expected: despite their specificities, the observed linguistic patterns remain similar. This suggests that linguistic changes are driven by profound social dynamics, independent of digital platforms or specific topics, and reflect historical processes of hybridization and simplification, as previously observed in contexts of strong contact between different cultures.
Ultimately, the study reveals that, despite the rapid evolution of digital communication, online language follows predictable patterns and adheres to universal linguistic laws, such as Zipf’s Law, which states that the frequency of a word is inversely proportional to its rank in a frequency list. This balance between innovation and efficiency highlights a fundamental principle of linguistic evolution: digital transformations, while accelerating changes in how we communicate, are rooted in deep-seated mechanisms that have always governed language evolution.
Linguistic changes are driven by profound social dynamics, independent of digital platforms or specific topics, and reflect historical processes of hybridization and simplification, as previously observed in contexts of strong contact between different cultures.
In essence, language in social media is evolving into a more concise, rapid, and interactive form, all while maintaining its ability to innovate and evolve. The new generations, especially Generation Alpha, are playing a crucial role in this linguistic revolution, demonstrating how digital technology is not just a means of communication, but a true laboratory for linguistic and social experimentation.
Multiculturalism and Linguistic Fusion: The Role of Translation
Generation Alpha is growing up in a world where multiculturalism is not just an exception, but the norm. They live in homes where multiple languages are spoken, play with peers from around the globe, and discover new cultures with a simple click on TikTok. For them, diversity is not a barrier, but a natural resource and an opportunity for connection. This generation not only coexists with diverse cultures, but also blends and reinvents them continuously. The music they listen to, the food they consume, and the fashion they follow are all shaped by global influences that intertwine and hybridize, resulting in the emergence of new cultural codes. Multiculturalism, therefore, is not merely a context, but a driving
force for innovation and identity. In this scenario, translation takes on a role that goes beyond mere linguistic adaptation. It’s not just about switching between languages, but about fostering a dialogue between different worldviews, empowering young people to discover new aspects of themselves. Translation becomes a means of building identity, a chance to cultivate empathy and broaden one’s global perspective. Linguistic transformation is a constant process, fueled by both global and local influences. Hybrid languages like Spanglish or Itanglish are not just a compromise in communication, but a symbol of a cultural evolution that transcends traditional boundaries. At the same time, communication is becoming increasingly multimodal: emojis, images, sounds, and videos enrich the written text, sometimes even replacing it and creating new levels of expression. Technology, especially artificial intelligence, plays a crucial role in this process. Tools like language chatbots are not just learning aids, but true co-creators of new languages. AI doesn’t just translate, but it also suggests, invents, and facilitates the birth of neologisms, enabling access to more fluid and personalized modes of expression.
This generation is proving that language is not a static entity, but rather a dynamic and ever-evolving one. And translation, rather than a means to break down barriers, becomes a bridge for personal and collective growth. Their communication style is a global, fluid, and interconnected palette: a slang can blend English, Japanese, and an emoji, resulting in a universal language that remains deeply rooted in local culture. Our research specifically focuses on Generation Alpha from Asian and African countries, as demographic projections indicate that these macro-regions will be the most densely populated by Gen Alphas in the coming decades.
Asia is projected to remain the world’s most populous region, with India leading this trend, while Africa is experiencing what has been termed a “youthquake,” with its population of young people growing at an unprecedented rate.7 This shift makes Africa a key region for examining how young speakers interact with English alongside diverse indigenous and dominant languages.
At the same time, Gen Alpha is set to be the most diverse generation yet,8 with increasing linguistic and cultural hybridity worldwide. These demographic realities reinforce the importance of studying how young speakers in Asia and Africa creatively navigate, adapt, and innovate with English as a global lingua franca. For instance, Filipino neologisms exemplify a deeply rooted tradition of linguistic play, evident in baliktad, a practice of reversing syllables to create new expressions.
In Tagalog, baliktad means “upside down,” showcasing language as a dynamic medium for creativity and social connection. This wordplay, along with borrowing and adaptation, reflects not just linguistic flexibility but a communal approach to meaning-making, reinforcing social ties through shared in-group codes. This linguistic fluidity is particularly evident in digital and informal spaces, where language becomes a tool for negotiating identity, fostering belonging, and reinterpreting global influences within local cultural frameworks.
Our ethnographic study focused primarily on Asia and Africa, revealing notable instances of creative linguistic blending. Similarly, both the UAE and Korea present compelling cases of linguistic interaction. In the UAE, the unique structure of Arabic makes its interplay with English particularly noteworthy, fostering both innovative blending and seamless bilingual expression. We recognize that many countries fall outside the scope of this study, and our research does not claim to provide an exhaustive account of global linguistic interactions. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the immense linguistic richness of this super-diverse global tapestry, highlighting how different cultures creatively adapt and innovate their languages in response to local identities, global influences, and the online world.
Cultural Field Research: A Deep Dive
To deepen our understanding of this linguistic evolution, we collaborated with linguists and cultural experts in a global research initiative, spanning eight distinct cultures outside English-speaking regions. With English continuing to dominate social media platforms, our findings reveal that local languages are not merely influenced by English but actively reshaped through unexpected and highly creative linguistic adaptations.
We asked them some key questions:
- Do digital generations create new words?
- Could you share some examples of neologisms used by young people in your language?
- What do they signify, and how are they shaping communication in your culture?
- Are these neologisms born in digital environments or do they emerge from other spheres?
- How does this trend vary across cultures?
Their responses helped us paint a broader picture of how language evolves across generations and cultures, highlighting the impact of digitalization on the emergence of new forms of expression.
All over the world, Generation Alpha is redefining language, transforming it into a fluid and ever- evolving ecosystem where technology, culture, and identity intertwine seamlessly. However, a particularly interesting aspect of our research is that in some cultures, where access to technology for Generation Alpha is more limited, the role of linguistic innovators remains predominantly in the hands of Generation Z (born between 1995-2010). In these contexts, neologisms and new forms of expression are still the result of experimentation by those who have experienced the digital transition firsthand, rather than those who were born into it.
Gen Alpha Dictionary of Global Neologisms
Cultural Field Research
Discover how young people around the world are reinventing language—dive into our global research initiative and explore real-world examples of evolving slang and expression in eight different cultures.
Discover the full researchBuilding on this research, we explore emerging cross-cultural social dynamics among younger generations:
Cultural Field Research: Cross-Cultural Patterns
Multilingual Blending
Why it matters
It showcases how digital culture fuels linguistic hybridity, blending local identity with global influences. This dynamic reflects a youth-driven embrace of code-mixing, where languages are seamlessly combined to create nuanced meanings that resonate within online communities. Notably, direct borrowing and transliteration arise when no native equivalents exist, reinforcing how digital communication not only reshapes vocabulary but also drives semantic expansion and linguistic innovation across cultures.
How it Unfolds
Desi Core (India) – A fusion of Sanskrit and English, reflecting a cultural and stylistic identity
Out trình (Vietnam) – A hybrid of English and Vietnamese, commonly used in gaming and skill-related contexts
ختموا التریند (Khatamu al-trend) (UAE) – A mix of Arabic and English, meaning “completing a viral trend”
Stingo (Kenya) – A Sheng slang term for style, blending multiple linguistic influences
E Choke (Nigeria) – A Nigerian pop culture adaptation of English (“It chokes”), expressing surprise, excitement, or overwhelming emotions
Aesthetic
Codes
Why it matters
Rooted in distinct cultural identities, expressions of style reflect localized aesthetics while seamlessly aligning with global trends. Social media amplifies these expressions, transforming them into markers of taste, status, and belonging among youth communities worldwide. The rise of such terms aligns with a broader cultural shift toward effortless beauty and curated authenticity, seen across various regions. This trend emphasizes style as not just about appearance but about projecting a carefully crafted yet seemingly natural aesthetic-blurring the line between authenticity and intentional self-branding in an increasingly image-conscious world.
How it Unfolds
Desi Core (India) – A fusion of traditional and modern Indian aesthetics, reflecting local style and cultural identity
Stingo (Kenya) – A slang term for style, often used to describe fashion or an overall stylish appearance
꾸안꾸 (Kkuan-kku) (Korea) – “Effortless style,” referring to a carefully curated yet natural-looking aesthetic
كشخة (Kashkha) (UAE) – A term meaning “chic” or “elegant,” often used to describe refined fashion and appearance
جوھم غیر (Jawwuhum ghayr) (UAE) – “Their vibe is unique,” also used to describe aesthetically appealing people, places or atmospheres
Wordplay
Why it matters
Linguistic creativity among youth thrives on humor and the playful subversion of standard forms. This informal and expressive communication reflects a broader cultural shift toward a more dynamic and adaptable language, where brevity and playfulness become essential tools for shaping identity and fostering social belonging in digital spaces. Notably, our research highlights Vietnam and the Philippines as particularly receptive to wordplay as a key marker of youth identity in the digital realm.
How it Unfolds
띵작 (Ttingjak) (Korea) – A playful twist on 명작 (myeongjak, “masterpiece”), often used to describe outstanding works.
A kay – chim cú (Vietnam) – A phonetic pun with layered meaning, used for playful or expressive emphasis
Petmalu (Philippines) – A slang term for “awesome,” formed through syllable reversal (baliktad wordplay)
Omsim (Philippines) – Means “exactly” or “same,” also created through syllable inversion
Emotional
and
Social
Lexicon
Why it matters
This evolution of language reflects how young generations linguistically navigate emotional well-being, social belonging, and identity construction in contemporary society. Emerging neologisms not only articulate mental health and interpersonal dynamics but also capture evolving perceptions of self-presentation, authenticity, and cultural identity. These terms serve as signifiers of shifting attitudes toward individualism and communal ties, illustrating how diverse societies express and negotiate emotional experiences and social interactions through language.
How it Unfolds
현생 (Hyeonsaeng) (Korea) – A term for real-life struggles and daily hardships.
쓸쓸비용 (Sseulsseul biyong) (Korea) – “Loneliness expenses,” referring to money spent to cope with solitude.
Dey for who dey for you (Nigeria) – A phrase emphasizing reciprocal support and loyalty in relationships.
A kay – chim cú (Vietnam) – Expresses feelings of resentment or lingering frustration.
تحسست (UAE) – Used to describe a sensitive or personal subject
سلیك (UAE) – Brushing off or downplaying a situation, often dismissively or casually
Aura farming (English, India) – The act of cultivating a charismatic persona, often in gaming but also in offline social interactions.
Angrez/Angrej ka choda (India) – A term for perceived excessive Westernization, often implying a loss of local authenticity
느좋 (Neujoh) (Korea) – A shortened form of 느낌 좋은 (“feel good”), used to describe a positive impression or vibe
Social Media Trends and Linguistic Virality
Why it matters
It shows how digital platforms fuel the rapid creation and spread of new slang, shaping cross- border youth expressions and cultural references. Social media not only accelerates the creation of new slang but also transforms these terms into cultural markers that bridge local identities with global digital culture. As a result, youth communities worldwide engage in a dynamic process of remixing, adapting, and redefining language, making virality a key driver of contemporary linguistic evolution.
How it Unfolds
Corona Cuts (India) – A pandemic-based trend.
ختموا التریند (Khatamu al-trend) (UAE) – Completing a viral trend
Hectic (South Africa) – Slang for “crazy” or intense.
띵작 (Ttingjak) (Korea) – “rnasterpiece,” used to describe outstanding works.
Pookie (India) – A cute or endearing term.
Lucky Vicky (Korea) – Finding joy in small moments or transforming misfortune into positivity.
Out trình (Vietnam) – Describes someone highly skilled, often in gaming.
حرفیاً (Harfiyan) (UAE) – An adaptation of the viral use of “literally” in English
Beta, Gamma, Delta: Futures Unfolding
Language as the Key to Unlocking the Future
Language is not just a means of communication, but the very foundation of human connection, cultural identity, and social evolution. In the future, if language barriers were to be broken down, language could become a universal bridge between individuals and cultures. With the help of advanced technologies, multicultural influences, and expressive fluidity, the new generations could shape language in novel ways, adapting it to a world in constant transformation. The Beta, Gamma, and Delta Generations could be the driving forces behind this revolution, each playing a distinct role in redefining the relationship between language, technology, and society.
The Beta Generation (born between 2025-2039): The Language of Hybrid Creativity
The Beta generation could grow up in a world where technology and communication are deeply intertwined. AI, virtual reality, and linguistic multimodality could become everyday tools for expressing, learning, and collaborating. Their language could be fluid and hybrid, seamlessly integrating text, images, sounds, and interactive elements.
• AI and digital storytelling: Artificial intelligence would not only be a translation tool, but a co-creator of new languages. The Beta generation could harness advanced AI to craft stories, create content, and redefine the boundaries between author and viewer.
• Multimodal expression: Written text could increasingly give way to visual and interactive forms of communication, where content is designed to be simultaneously perceived through multiple senses.
• Instant and personalized translation: Translation tools could become a part of everyday life, enabling immediate dialogue between different languages and automatically adapting tone and context.
This generation could see technology as an extension of their voice, eliminating language barriers not only to understand each other better, but to build new ways of thinking and interacting
AI News for Global Citizens
Imminent Readings
Eager to know more? Here, you will find a selection of articles from top newspapers, research publications, and leading magazines from around the world, exploring AI’s impact on language, culture, geopolitics, and economies.
Dive deeperThe Gamma Generation (born after 2045): The Language of the Digital Hyperspace
The Gamma generation could flourish in a hyper-connected world, where language would no longer be confined to verbal or written communication, but would evolve into forms that seamlessly integrate with sensory and cognitive experiences.
• Digital neolanguages: The use of advanced AI could lead to the creation of synthetic, adaptive, and personalized languages that evolve in real-time, adapting to individual contexts and needs.
• Non-linear expression: Language could increasingly rely on symbols, neural interfaces, and direct communication forms through technology, potentially diminishing the need for traditional written language.
• Gaming as a new social grammar: The language of gaming could become a universal code, used to create identities, collaborate, and tell stories in immersive digital worlds.
For Generation Gamma, language may no longer be a static code, but a flexible and evolving system, designed to interact with artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and neural networks.
The Delta Generation: The Language of the Post-Human Era
The children of Generation Alpha, the Deltas, may be born into a world where artificial intelligence and brain-machine interfaces have completely redefined communication.
For them, language could be an intuitive experience, seamlessly integrated into their thoughts.
• Digital telepathy and neural interfaces: The Deltas could communicate with technology directly, eliminating the need for written or spoken words.
• Personalized and fluid expression: Each individual could create their own unique language, one that can be modified in real-time and adapted to their communication needs.
• A universal language without borders: With the complete automation of translation and the seamless integration of humans and AI, the Deltas could live in a world without language barriers, where mutual understanding would be instantaneous and profound.9
In the future, language may no longer be a mere communication tool, but rather an ever-evolving ecosystem, shaped by the needs and innovations of the new generations.
The Beta Generation could pave the way for a more interactive and multimodal communication.
Conclusion
Linguistic evolution has never been a straightforward process, but rather a complex ecosystem where technology, culture, and identity intertwine and influence each other. The ongoing transformations demonstrate how language, in the hands of the new generations, can become a space for continuous experimentation, where communication is no longer just verbal or written, but multimodal, fluid, and adaptable. If the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta Generations are the protagonists of this metamorphosis, their impact will extend beyond the digital sphere. Their ability to innovate language could redefine how we connect, work, and build our sense of belonging in the world.
Linguistic hybridization, cultural fusion, and the integration of advanced technologies could propel us towards a future without language barriers, where mutual understanding is no longer a hurdle, but a fundamental aspect of our global identity. However, the elimination of language barriers would not necessarily imply cultural homogenization. Instead, it could pave the way for new avenues of individual and collective expression, providing the younger generations with increasingly sophisticated tools to shape their own identities. Language will evolve beyond a mere means of communication, becoming a platform for creation and connection, a bridge between the past and the future, the local and the global, the human and the artificial.
As we observe these changes with curiosity and a sense of anticipation, our task will be to ensure that linguistic innovation remains a driving force for connection and inclusion. The language of the future may not yet be written, but the new generations are already charting its course, reshaping the way we think, communicate, and understand each other in the world to come.
Patrizia Boglione
Imminent Creative Director
Patrizia Boglione, brand strategist, cultural intelligence specialist, creative education designer. Actually, she works as a Brand and Creative VP at Translated where she focuses her activity on strategy, branding and cross-culture intelligence. She developed her career in communication at McCann Erickson, in branding at Angelini Design, where she was a strategic brand director working for the Italian, European, and Asian markets. Currently, she designs education programs on hybrid creativity, trend research, and cultural intelligence.
References
1. Understanding Generation Alpha | McCrindle.
2. Alpha – The Unique Successors of Gen Z | by Tokyo | Beautiful Life 101 | Medium.
3. The Future: Laboratory Generations: Now and Next 2024-2025.
4. Sledge, H., Lawler, M., Hourihane, J., Franklin, R., Boland, F., Dunne, S., McCallion, N., O’Mahony, L., & Byrne, S. (2022). Parenting a newborn
baby during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative survey. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 6(1), e001348.
5. Pandemic has delayed social skills of young children, says Ofsted chief | The Guardian.
6 Di Marco, N., Loru, E., Bonetti, A., Serra, A. O. G., Cinelli, M., & Quattrociocchi, W. (2024). Patterns of linguistic simplification on social media platforms over time | PNAS, 121(50), e2412105121.
7. How the Youth Boom in Africa Will Change the World – The New York Times.
8. The diversity of US Generation Alpha | WARC | The Feed.
9. The Future Lab. (2024–2025). Generations Now and Next Collection.