LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 26:1 January 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Selvi M. Bunce, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
         Nathan Mulder Bunce, M.A., Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         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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Linguistic and Behavioural Analysis

Vedhika Vijay and
Dr. Sreejana S

Abstract

This study investigates generational variation in linguistic behaviour through a qualitative comparative discourse analysis of written digital communication. The research examines how language use across generations reflects differing orientations toward authority, confidence, creativity, and social identity. Data were drawn from emails, direct messages, and social media captions produced by two generational cohorts: individuals aged 40 years and above and individuals aged 18–25 years. The findings suggest that older generations tend to conform to standardized linguistic norms characterized by formality, syntactic completeness, and restrained emotional expression, whereas younger generations actively innovate through abbreviated forms, code-switching, multimodal elements, and stylistic experimentation. The study demonstrates that linguistic change in digital contexts does not indicate decline, but rather reflects adaptive communicative strategies shaped by technological affordances and evolving social values. By integrating sociolinguistic theory with empirical discourse data, the study contributes to contemporary research on digital communication and intergenerational language variation.

Keywords:Generational Language Variation, Digital Discourse, Sociolinguistics, Intergenerational Communication, Code-Switching, Multimodal Communication

Introduction

Language functions not only as a system of communication but also as a social practice through which individuals construct identity, negotiate power relations, and express behavioural orientations. Linguistic choices are shaped by historical context, institutional training, and technological environments, making generational comparison a crucial area of sociolinguistic inquiry. Differences in how generations write, especially in digital contexts, provide insight into broader cultural shifts related to authority, creativity, and social confidence.

Older generations were socialized within educational and professional systems that emphasized grammatical correctness, politeness, and deference to institutional authority. Written language was governed by relatively stable norms, and deviations were often viewed as markers of incompetence or disrespect. In contrast, younger generations have developed their linguistic practices within digitally mediated environments that prioritize immediacy, personalization, and expressive flexibility. As a result, contemporary youth language frequently departs from traditional norms through abbreviation, irony, and multimodal expression.

While sociolinguistic research has extensively examined age-related language variation, previous studies have often focused on spoken language or isolated digital platforms. Limited attention has been given to systematic, multi-platform comparisons of written discourse that integrate empirical language data with behavioural interpretation. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comparative analysis of emails, direct messages, and social media captions across generations. By doing so, it uniquely contributes a platform-sensitive, discourse-based perspective on how generational language practices reflect evolving social mindsets in the digital age.

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

Vedhika Vijay
I Year CSE Student, Kumaraguru College of Technology,
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
vedhika.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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