11/02/2026

WEDNESDAY | FEB 11, 2026

FOLLOW

ON FACEBOOK

10

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

COMMENT by Dr Prema Ponnudurai

Evolution of language in digital era T HE newly launched National Education Development Plan (RPN) 2026-2035, jointly led by the Higher Education comprising native and non-native speakers.

This is closely followed by Mandarin, with 1.18 billion speakers, and Hindi, with 609.1 million speakers. These figures broadly mirror population trends in China and India, highlighting how demographic shifts shape linguistic prevalence and global usage patterns. However, the

Ministry and the Education Ministry, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s educational trajectory by setting a clear direction for strengthening Malaysia’s role as a global education hub. Language has increasingly taken centre stage in national

“By honouring our linguistic heritage while embracing the realities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Malaysia can position itself not only as a guardian of language but also as a leader in shaping its future.

evolution of language today is driven not only by population growth and migration but also increasingly by digitalisation. The exponential rise of digital technologies and social media platforms has accelerated changes in how language is created, adapted and consumed. This shift is evident in the Oxford dictionary’s recognition of terms such as “rage bait” , “ aura farming” , “ biohack” and “brain rot”, among others, as “Words of the Year”. Often formed by compounding or repurposing existing terms rooted in Middle English, these expressions demonstrate how established linguistic structures evolve to capture contemporary digital behaviours and cultural phenomena.

discourse, particularly amid renewed efforts to cultivate Malaysia’s multilingual society. Recent initiatives, such as the Selangor government’s provision of free access to language learning and the Education Ministry’s ongoing review of additional languages within the school curriculum, underscore a growing recognition of linguistic capability as a strategic national asset. The benefits of multilingualism extend well beyond individual enrichment, supporting social cohesion, global engagement and long term economic prosperity. Language is uniquely human. Its structured and symbolic nature distinguishes us from other species, enabling the transmission of culture, values and

Language is uniquely human. Its structured and symbolic nature distinguishes us from other species, enabling the transmission of culture, values and collective identity across generations. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

embedding digital linguistics into curricula and reframing online spaces as opportunities for learning rather than threats to conventional language use. Through such efforts, linguistic innovation can enhance academic rigour while reinforcing national cohesion. By honouring our linguistic heritage while embracing the realities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Malaysia can position itself not only as a guardian of language but also as a leader in shaping its future. In doing so, the nation can navigate the transition from speaking to scrolling, ensuring that language continues to unite, empower and advance society in a connected world. DrPrema Ponnudurai is the head of School of General Studies and Languages, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management at Taylor’s University. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

language tools presents a powerful opportunity to support multilingual learning, particularly when these tools incorporate both native and international languages in culturally relevant and context-specific ways. When deployed thoughtfully, technology can be an enabler rather than a disruptor of linguistic mastery. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously observed, “the only constant is change”. Human societies have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt, and language remains one of the clearest reflections of this adaptability. Yet, linguistic evolution does not occur in isolation. Policymakers, educators, institutions and communicators all play a pivotal role in shaping how language change is understood and managed. The Education Ministry and higher educational institutions should take the lead in monitoring emerging linguistic practices,

informalisation language, particularly in online space and among younger generation, risks eroding linguistic standards and depth. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated and forward-looking strategy. This includes prioritising the revival and preservation of native and indigenous languages within local communities, ensuring their continued relevance through documentation, education and intergenerational transmission. At the same time, greater exposure to languages within the Asean region is essential to strengthening solidarity, mutual understanding and unity among neighbouring countries. Equally important is the need to remain competitive on the global stage by strengthening proficiency in international languages that dominate academia, technology and commerce. In parallel, the development of localised artificial intelligence of

collective identity across generations. As a cornerstone of society, language unites communities, offers comfort and builds solidarity within a nation. Globally, English continues to function as the dominant lingua franca , with approximately 1.53 billion speakers worldwide,

As Malaysia continues to develop as a digitally connected and globally engaged nation, it must navigate a delicate balance between embracing linguistic innovation and safeguarding formal proficiency and national linguistic heritage. Without intentional intervention, the rapid