Language's alterations in the digital era

Abstract

Language is historically subject to changes. At the present time the principle of alteration postulated one hundred years ago by Ferdinand de Saussure, father of modern linguistics, is easily observed in new mass media such as those generated by computer science (chat, msn, forums, etc.) and the mobile phones (sms). Although this principle guarantees the continuity of languages, it is not taken into account when debating, when voices arise in favour and against the new codes of communication arise.