THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN MODERN SOCIETY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON HUMAN THINKING

Language is a fundamental tool of communication, cultural identity, and cognition. Modern society is characterized by globalization, multilingualism, and the rapid development of information technology, which emphasizes the importance of analyzing the role of language in shaping thinking. This article examines classical and contemporary approaches to the relationship between language and cognitive processes, including the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis of linguistic relativity and its critiques, as well as the principles of cognitive linguistics. A review of empirical studies (color perception, spatial metaphors, multilingualism) illustrating the influence of language on perception and cognition is provided. Particular attention is given to the context of social networks, media, and multilingual communities, where linguistic diversity shapes mental models. The implications for education and language policy are discussed: the benefits of bilingualism, the need to support linguistic diversity, and digital literacy. The paper concludes with recommendations for developing multilingual education and strengthening linguistic diversity to harmonize public consciousness and improve cognitive abilities.