LANGUAGE IN MOTION: GLOBALIZATION TECHNOLOGY AND LEXICAL-SEMANTIC CHANGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Abstract

This study examines lexical-semantic changes in the English language under the influence of globalization and rapid technological development. It aims to explore how new vocabulary emerges, how existing words shift in meaning, and how these processes reflect broader social, cultural, and communicative transformations. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining corpus and contextual analysis with semantic and sociolinguistic theories, alongside a quantitative survey conducted among 100  students of Central university of Europe and Akaki Tsereteli State University  in Kutaisi, Georgia.

The findings reveal that digital environments—particularly social media and online platforms—serve as primary drivers of lexical innovation. A significant majority of respondents (87%) reported frequent exposure to neologisms, while over 80% expressed positive attitudes toward their role in enriching communication. However, the actual use of such terms remains context-dependent, with 90% of participants adjusting their language according to social and communicative settings. The study also identifies key processes of word formation, borrowing, and semantic expansion, illustrating how terms such as cloud, viral, and platform have acquired new meanings in digital contexts.

Theoretically, the research contributes to understanding language as a dynamic and adaptive system shaped by technological, cultural, and social forces. Practically, it highlights the importance of linguistic awareness in navigating global communication and intercultural interaction. The study concludes that continuous adaptation and “renewable knowledge” are essential for effective communication in the modern, information-rich world, where language functions as a crucial tool for understanding and connection.

Key words: neologisms, globalization, digital technology, internet.