dynamic interplay of culture and language in the digital age: revisiting sharifian’s framework

The intricate relationship between language and culture has long been a focal point of scholarly inquiry, necessitating robust theoretical frameworks and systematic methodologies to unravel its complexities. in recent years, cultural linguistics (cl), as pioneered by sharifian, has emerged as a groundbreaking interdisciplinary framework that systematically examines how cultural conceptualizations (ccs) permeate and shape linguistic structures, practices, and interpretations, particularly within the context of english as an international language (eil) and intercultural communication. this paper critically reviews the applications of cl in language-related studies, emphasizing its evolving role in the era of digital transformation. by examining cl’s theoretical underpinnings, analytical tools, and practical implementations, the study highlights its contributions to language education, intercultural competence, and the analysis of ccs. while addressing its theoretical and methodological challenges, the paper also offers future directions for cl, advocating for its expanded use in digital communication, multilingual contexts, and ai-driven language learning. by integrating interdisciplinary perspectives and highlighting its potential to address contemporary issues in language education, world englishes, and digital communication, this paper underscores cl’s potential to bridge cultural and linguistic divides and its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and adapting to the dynamic landscapes of globalized language use in an increasingly interconnected and technologically mediated world.