The Emergence of English as a Celestial Language

Abstract

Given the emergence of English as a Global Language, and the probable eventual intensive human exploration and settlement of Space, what forces will likely shape the structural features of English as it expands into the Cosmos? In the exploration and settlement of Space, we will very probably use English as a Celestial Language. Microgravity, artificial intelligence, isolation, confinement, and the silent environment of Space will transform this language?s structural features. Microgravity will precipitate lexical change, as vertical expressions become meaningless and are replaced by proximal and topological expressions. Interfacing with artificial intelligence will induce language change. Isolation of space settlements will induce language change, to enable each settlement to maintain a strong identity while preserving intelligibility with others. Confinement will be compensated for by language change. Finally, fundamental differences in empirical reality will affect the very structure of language, which will evolve to reflect the nature of the cosmic environment.