Language Academy UTM Hosts Scholarly Symposium Exploring Sociolinguistics in the Digital Context

Lokman Hafiz Asary

JOHOR BAHRU, June 4 – The Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully hosted the Postgraduate Symposium and Webinar on Sociolinguistics with the theme “Speaking Change: Sociolinguistics in the Digital Age.” Held in a hybrid format via Webex and on-site at Seminar 2 room, Level 2, Blok D06. The event brought together scholars, postgraduate students, and language enthusiasts to explore the evolving role of language in a technology-driven world.

The backbone of the symposium: Dr Intan Norjahan (3rd, left) and her committee members.

The symposium was expertly coordinated by Dr. Intan Norjahan Azman, a senior lecturer at the Language Academy and a dedicated educator in the field of Sociolinguistics. Moderated by postgraduate student Syamira Rasyiqah Ramli, the event began at 8:00 AM with registration, followed by two expert-led webinars. The first speaker, Dr. Muhammad Adnan Pitchan, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), delivered a thought-provoking session titled “Scammer’s Alert! Language Patterns Used by the Scammers Online.” He highlighted the linguistic strategies employed by cyber scammers, demonstrating how deceptive language is systematically crafted to exploit vulnerability and trust online.

The session sustained enthusiastic participation and active involvement from attendees.

The second webinar, on the other hand, featured Professor. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya, a Professor at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), who presented “Language and Power: Speak to Lead – Language as the Gateway to Influence.” His presentation focused on the intersection of language, leadership, and persuasion, exploring how speech acts shape authority and credibility in digital and corporate spaces. The session sparked meaningful discussions among participants on how strategic communication influences decision-making in today’s interconnected world.”

After a short break, the symposium continued with two interactive presentation sessions (Symposium Part 1 and 2), where postgraduate students presented their research on various sociolinguistic topics. The sessions provided a vibrant platform for knowledge-sharing, peer feedback, and academic exchange. Participants engaged in discussions on language change, digital discourse, multilingualism, and social identity. The diversity of topics presented reflected the dynamic and evolving nature of sociolinguistics in both local and global contexts.

The event concluded with the arrival of esteemed guests, Dr. Nur Ain Balqis Haladin, Assistant Chair of Language Academy, followed by formal closing remarks and a prize-giving ceremony. Awards were conferred for categories including Best TikTok Short Video, Best Presenters (Team), and a Lucky Draw, bringing a celebratory end to the academic discourse. A group photography session was held to commemorate the occasion, capturing the collective spirit and success of the day.

This symposium showcased UTM’s commitment to empowering postgraduate scholarship and addressing contemporary linguistic challenges in an increasingly digitised world. It reflected the Language Academy’s dedication to fostering critical conversations on how language both reflects and shapes social change, particularly in the digital age.

Through insightful presentations, dynamic student engagement, and a well-curated programme, the event successfully bridged the gap between theory and practice – reinforcing UTM’s standing as a hub for linguistic and sociocultural inquiry.