The Impact of Generative AI on English Academic Writing: Assessing the Evolution of Stylistics and Authorial Voice in the Digital Age

Abstract

This research investigates the transformative influence of Generative AI (GenAI) on English academic writing, specifically examining the evolution of stylistics and the preservation of authorial voice in the digital age. The primary objective is to evaluate whether the widespread integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) leads to a homogenization of academic prose or serves as a catalyst for augmented linguistic expression. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study utilizes quantitative stylometric analysis processed through SPSS to identify shifts in syntax and vocabulary density, alongside qualitative thematic analysis via NVivo to capture scholars' perceptions of "voice" ownership and identity. The implications are profound for higher education institutions and international publishing bodies, suggesting that pedagogical frameworks must evolve from a focus on AI detection toward fostering a critical digital literacy that empowers writers to maintain their unique perspective within AI-assisted environments. Ultimately, this research provides a critical lens through which to view the future of English as a global academic lingua franca in an increasingly automated intellectual landscape.