People of different ages assign varying significance to words.

Elena Borisova, Doctor of Philology, Professor at MGPU, and head of the research project, explains: “Our study shows that language is not only a reflection of the current state of society but also a bridge between generations, which can sometimes become difficult to cross due to differences in the perception of the same words.”

The research is based on the concept of generational linguistics, which examines the speech characteristics of individuals within the same generation. The researchers note that the term “generation” in sociology does not have a clear definition. It is most often associated with events that played a significant role in the lives of people of similar ages, as well as with shared values.

Borisova provides examples: “We talk about the ‘children of war,’ the first post-war generation, referring to those whose childhood occurred during the early post-war years. Interestingly, this generation has a high proportion of individuals who did not receive secondary education. There is also the generation from the beginning of the space age – those who remember the first space flights and the pride that enveloped people and was passed on to their children. Separately, there is the generation born during the collapse of the Union – those born in the late 1970s and early 1980s.”

Researchers point out that, in addition to socio-political events, technological changes play a crucial role in shaping generations. “Nowadays, we talk about the internet generation, social networks, and iPhones. These technologies significantly influence communication methods and, consequently, language,” Borisova explains.

As part of the study, the scientists conducted a series of experiments and surveys among two age groups: older adults (60 years and older) and youth (15-18 years). Particular attention was paid to the speech of the older generation – men and women over 60, who, according to sociological criteria, belong to the ‘children of Gagarin's flight’ and have a parallel in the American baby boomer generation.

The results revealed a diversity of lexical differences between generations. Some words, such as “подвода” and “для близиру,” were found to be almost unknown to the younger generation. Other words changed their meanings: for instance, the word “румяный” is often interpreted by the youth as “healthy” or “attractive,” while for the older generation, it retains its original meaning.

The study also uncovered changes in the emotional connotation of words. “Egoist” has lost its sharply negative connotation in the speech of the younger generation, while “domestic” has lost its positive nuance. Differences were also found in the active vocabulary: to refer to a person with excess weight, older individuals more frequently use terms like “толстяк” or even “жиртрест,” whereas younger people prefer softer alternatives – “пухляк” or “пухляш.”

Borisova notes: “Interestingly, the study disproved the common belief that a person speaks as they did during their language development. Older individuals actively use words that were unknown in their youth: internet, virtual, broker, omonovets, as well as new fixed expressions like ‘it won’t be too little’ or ‘guarantor of the constitution.’ This shows that language formation continues throughout one’s life, although the process may slow down with age.”

Researchers emphasize that speech characteristics are determined not only by age but also by belonging to other social groups. For example, for the youth, differences in knowledge of outdated vocabulary are often linked to literacy, while for older adults, knowledge of specific terms is often associated with professional experience.