35.1727, Review: New Frontiers in Language and Technology: Jenks (2023)

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LINGUIST List: Vol-35-1727. Mon Jun 10 2024. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 35.1727, Review: New Frontiers in Language and Technology: Jenks (2023)

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Date: 10-Jun-2024
From: YUE ZHANG [zhangyue970827 at gmail.com]
Subject: Applied Linguistics: Jenks (2023)


Book announced at https://linguistlist.org/issues/34.3467

AUTHOR: Christopher Joseph Jenks
TITLE: New Frontiers in Language and Technology
SERIES TITLE: Elements in Applied Linguistics
PUBLISHER: Cambridge University Press
YEAR: 2023

REVIEWER: YUE ZHANG

SUMMARY

"New Frontiers in Language and Technology" embarks on a visionary
journey through the dynamic intersection of applied linguistics and
the cutting-edge innovations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(4IR). It paints a vivid picture of a world where traditional
linguistic barriers are dismantled and new forms of digital
communication emerge, challenging us to reconsider our understanding
of language, identity, and community. Calling upon applied linguists
to venture into the uncharted territories of technology-mediated
communication, the book serves as a clarion call for interdisciplinary
collaboration and innovation in research methodologies. Ultimately,
this book is more than just a scholarly exploration—it is an
inspirational guide for linguists, technologists, and
forward-thinkers, offering a glimpse into the future of communication.
This is a compelling manifesto for embracing the digital
transformation, arming readers with the knowledge needed not only to
navigate but also to shape the next frontier of language and
technology.

This concise yet comprehensive book, spanning 57 pages across six
chapters, methodically develops a compelling argument. Chapter 1 sets
the stage for a profound exploration of the impact of the 4IR on
language, communication, and society. It introduces the "phygital"
world, where physical and digital realities converge, driven by
technologies like AI, VR, and AR, redefining human interactions (Due &
Toft, 2021). This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the
intertwined technological, linguistic, social, and ethical dimensions
of 4IR technologies. It establishes the significance of these
transformations and sets the stage for discussions on human-machine
interfaces, economic shifts, emerging social dilemmas, and power
dynamics reshaped by the 4IR. Additionally, the chapter advocates for
intensified research efforts in applied linguistics to thoroughly
explore and adapt to these dynamic changes in the ever-evolving
digital environment.

The second chapter discusses the critical role of human-machine
interfaces in daily activities, from simple tasks to complex AI-driven
applications like ChatGPT, highlighting both their advantages and the
potential for misuse. It explores the evolving relationship between
humans and technology through an applied linguistics lens. The author
outlines two main AI-impacted communication modes: communicating with
machines and communicating to machines. Building on this, four
communication paradigms are introduced: human-machine-human,
human-machine, machine-human, and machine-machine, each presenting
distinct linguistic challenges. This framework illustrates the
pervasive impact of machines on language and communication, paving the
way for applied linguistic studies. Progressively, the chapter
identifies seven critical research domains: language, communication,
human behavior, spaces, ideologies, language learning, and societal
impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research to understand
the multifaceted effects of technology on society, language, and
behavior, thereby advocating for in-depth applied linguistic
exploration of these dynamics.

The third chapter explores the significant transformations the 4IR has
introduced to the economic landscape, highlighting the increasingly
vital role of technology in finance and the economy. It examines the
impact of technology on the creation of new markets, the emergence of
gig work through digital platforms, and the ethical issues related to
the exploitation of gig workers. The chapter also analyzes the
intersection of finance and technology in fintech and the shift
towards a gig economy. Further, it delves into Web 3.0's focus on
decentralization and the pivotal role of blockchain technology in
shaping future digital economies, emphasizing the profound changes in
financial practices and infrastructure. In conclusion, it invites
applied linguists to investigate the empirical opportunities presented
by digital economies, taking into account the effects of technological
advancements on business practices and societal interactions.

The fourth chapter discusses the dual nature of 4IR technological
advancements: they bring significant opportunities for societal
development but also pose various threats. The text identifies five
major 4IR threats: rights, information, control, representation, and
security. It emphasizes the need for applied linguistic inquiry to
unravel the linguistic and communicative consequences stemming from
4IR advancements. The text suggests focusing investigations on how
various societal actors—from individuals to industries and
institutions—communicate these threats, highlighting the indispensable
contribution of applied linguistics in navigating and elucidating the
intricacies of this era's challenges.

The fifth chapter examines power within the 4IR, identifying it as
influence or control stemming from systemic inequalities, social
hierarchies, and cultural dynamics. It discusses how power manifests
in material, immaterial, and codified forms, affecting access to
technology, communication, and information. The chapter contends that
while technology can exacerbate systemic issues, humans are
responsible for embedding their power dynamics into it, using the
Capitol Hill insurrection as an example of technology's role in
organizing actions and spreading misinformation (Silverman et al.,
2022). It concludes that understanding the regulation of information
and communication is key to dissecting power's role in the 4IR,
advocating for applied linguistic research into these regulatory
practices to tackle societal problems intensified by technology.

The final chapter brings together previous discussions, underscoring
the pivotal role of applied linguistics in exploring the impact of the
4IR on language and communication. It sketches a path for research,
identifying areas ripe for substantial contributions and advocating
for inventive practices and dissemination methods aligned with current
technological trends. Highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary
collaboration and the development of new theoretical models, the
chapter positions applied linguistics as crucial in both navigating
and shaping the future of language and technology. It advocates for a
forward-looking research approach, aiming not merely to address
technological challenges but also to leverage these advancements in
order to deepen understanding and improve communication in our digital
era.

EVALUATION

Situated within the Cambridge Elements in Applied Linguistics
collection, which is committed to expanding research on language
matters in real-world scenarios, this series probes the changing
dynamics of language globally, as underscored by editors Zhu and Li
(n.d.). Aligning seamlessly with the series' objectives, "New
Frontiers in Language and Technology" ambitiously endeavors to bridge
the gap between rapid technological innovation and the field of
applied linguistics. It promotes an innovative and cross-disciplinary
strategy for understanding and adapting to these shifts. The text
commendably achieves its aspirations by highlighting the profound
effects of technology on linguistic and communicative processes and by
urging linguists to engage with the opportunities and challenges
technology presents.

This book is meticulously designed to cater to a diverse readership,
including applied linguists, technologists, educators, and
policymakers. It adeptly fuses linguistic perspectives and
technological advancements, positioning itself as an essential tool
for those in the field seeking to enrich their understanding of this
evolving landscape. For linguists, it establishes a comprehensive
theoretical framework while offering a visionary outlook on how
cutting-edge technologies are redefining language and communication
processes. Technologists will find insightful analysis on
human-computer interaction and the linguistic implications of digital
breakthroughs, thus gaining a profound appreciation for the role of
language in technology design and deployment. This perspective fosters
a more integrative approach to innovation. Educators are provided with
insights into the complexities and opportunities of integrating
technology with language education, highlighting the transformative
potential of digital platforms in pedagogical practices. It underlines
the need for adaptability in teaching methodologies and mastery of
digital fluency. Policymakers will find the publication indispensable
for understanding the social, cultural, and ethical implications of
technological impacts on language and communication. It emphasizes the
importance of developing policies that ensure equitable technology
access and promote linguistic diversity in the digital age. As such,
"New Frontiers in Language and Technology" emerges as a critical
resource for various stakeholders, offering in-depth insights into the
intersection of language, technology, and society.

While the preceding comments have highlighted the book's commendable
aspects, it is important to note that there are areas poised for
further enhancement. The book's advocacy for interdisciplinary
research is praiseworthy, yet it could delineate potential
collaborations beyond the broad realm of applied linguistics with
greater clarity. For instance, the intersections between computational
linguistics, psycholinguistics, cognitive linguistics,
sociolinguistics, and many more hold untapped potential for exploring
language technology. A more detailed examination of how these
disciplines can converge to address the challenges posed by 4IR
technologies would offer valuable insights. Furthermore, the author's
call for interdisciplinary collaboration, while compelling, requires a
more detailed roadmap for overcoming the methodological and
epistemological barriers that often hinder such efforts.

In addition, although the book briefly touches on the use of emojis
and avatars as examples, it could greatly enhance its offerings by
including a dedicated section on the role of non-verbal communication
in 4IR, as the critical nature of this communication mode cannot be
overstated (Hall et al., 2019). This section could explore how
non-verbal modes of communication can bridge linguistic gaps and their
impact on cross-cultural understanding. Including such content would
offer readers comprehensive insights into the influence of non-verbal
cues on digital interactions. By addressing these aspects, the book
could shed light on the complexities and subtleties of non-verbal
communication in an increasingly digitalized world, providing a fuller
perspective on the potential and limitations of digital communication.

In conclusion, "New Frontiers in Language and Technology" serves as a
significant and timely contribution to the discourse on the
intersection of technology, language, and society. The author
meticulously outlines the challenges and opportunities presented by
the 4IR, advancing the academic conversation and providing a practical
guide for navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
While there are some areas that could benefit from further
exploration, the book effectively catalyzes critical discussion and
interdisciplinary collaboration. It marks a significant step forward
in understanding the complex dynamics of language and technology in
our modern world.

REFERENCES

Due, B. L., & Toft, T. L. (2021). Phygital highlighting: Achieving
joint visual attention when
      physically co-editing a digital text. Journal of Pragmatics,
177, 1–17.
      https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pragma.2021.01.034

Hall, J. A., Horgan, T. G., & Murphy, N. A. (2019). Nonverbal
communication. Annual Review of
      Psychology, 70(1), 271–294.
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-103145

Silverman, C., Timberg, C., Kao, J., & B. Merrill, J. (2022, October
26). Facebook hosted surge
     of misinformation and insurrection threats in months leading up
to Jan. 6 attack, records
     show. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/facebook-hos
ted-surge-of-misinformation-and-insurrection-threats-in-months-leading
-up-to-jan-6-attack-records-show#:~:text=The%20ProPublica%2FPost%20inv
estigation%2C%20which,6.

Zhu, H., & Li, W. (n.d.). Applied Linguistics. Cambridge Core.
      https://www.cambridge.org/core/publications/elements/applied-lin
guistics

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Zhang Yue is a PhD student at the University of Malaya, specializing
in Corpus-Assisted Critical Discourse Studies. Her research interests
are centered around (in)security discourse, immigration, and political
discourse. She investigates how digital platforms influence public
opinions and societal norms. By leveraging corpus linguistics tools,
she endeavors to elucidate the intricate relationship between language
and social dynamics.



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