In terms of social and economic inequality, Language plays an important role because one's
language can dramatically affect how society will "identify", thus influencing the level of inclusion
for an individual or group. In many cases, members of dominant groups in society often tend to
regard their own dialect of languages as the "correct" or esteemed form of "correct" language. In
some instances, members of these groups give the impression that those individuals who speak
dialects other than their own or speak languages outside their own country (such as immigrant
speakers) or members of the indigenous population (often natives of that country) are less
educated than older generations in those societies. These perceived attitudes are explicitly
expressed in educational institutions (schools), the workplace, and governmental institutions
where language usage, specifically Standard/Elite forms of the language(s) spoken, give
increased access to opportunities. Students who speak a non-standard dialect or a dialect
different from the standard dialect are often correct more often, graded differently, and/or are
treated as if they are less intelligent. The use of a legitimate dialect (non-standard) does not
diminish from the individual/student being just as capable (legitimate). In the workplace, certain
accents, speech patterns, etc., can affect the hiring process and/or the promotion process,
further reinforcing the differences in opportunities based upon economics. The historically
powerful Language(s) will, in many cases, give an individual access to better educational,
career and global opportunities; speakers of "less powerful" or less dominant Languages may
struggle to have equitable access to the same type of opportunities due to their lack of power
within their environment. Due to this, Language serves not only as a means to communicate,
but also as a source of Social Capital to either support or constrain an individual's progress in
society based on a given society's view of an individual's speech.
There are many forms of technology that permit easier access and immediacy to
communication. Because of digital tools, people are able to stay connected globally and create
networks to share information and support systems that were impossible to create before.
Isolated individuals are able to find their voices and virtually communicate to share their
experiences. The lack of face-to-face interaction that technology fosters changes the way
communication occurs, often for the worse. Moreso than in-person communication, tech
communication is brief, informal, and lacks personalization. In-person social skill usage goes
down, and the interactivity of the communication diminishes. There are many forms of
technology that permit easier access and immediacy to communication. Because of digital tools,
people are able to stay connected globally and create networks to share information and
support systems that were impossible to create before. Isolated individuals are able to find their
voices and communicate virtually to share their experiences and learn. The lack of face-to-face
interaction that technology fosters changes the way communication occurs, often for the worse.
Moreso than in-person communication, tech communication is brief, informal, and lacks
personalization. In-person social skill usage goes down, and the interactivity of the
communication diminishes. The digital world socializes people and provides networks and uses
virtual communication to socialize and community. Although digital systems can create and
enhance complex networks and support systems that simplifies the technology and
communication we are able to transmit, tech interactions create social challenges. however, it
also poses challenges that can hinder our capacity to create meaningful relationships.