Language and NCT

Termed “computer-mediated discourse” (CMD), or language and new communications technology (Crystal, 2011) CMD cannot be identified with either spoken language or written language, even though it shares some features with both because the electronic medium constraints and facilitates communication in unprecedented ways; examples of constraints include limited message size, message lag and lack of simultaneous feedback (though now this is already changing due to the rise of instant messaging), and examples of opportunities include hypertext links, emoticons and simultaneous multiple conversations or multi-authored texts Features of social media: - Social media handles: construction and representation of user identity - “Verified” markers: mark of legitimacy and power - Synchronous communication: instant messaging, “online” status resulted in shorter messages, sentence fragments for simultaneous input that reduced the importance of consistent adherence to standard language rules - Circulation of memes, etc.: intertextuality, usually meaning is exclusive to the speech community - “Reply” function: no linear conversation / clear topic, because there is no turn-taking signals - Features such as underlining, bold, italicization to represent quotes, emphasis, etc. - Word / character limit: unique to platforms such as Twitter (now “X”) leading to a rise in shortenings - Collaborative discourse vs passive viewing of content - “Bluetick” or “Read” caused a paradigm shift in expected time of reply Domains of internet linguistics: 1) World wide web (passive viewing of content) 2) Electronic mail (Email) 3) Asynchronous chat groups (bulletin boards, newsgroups, short message service SMS) 4) Synchronous chat groups (instant messaging IM) 5) Language of virtual worlds (particularly gaming) - Apps and platforms that serves different functions generate new linguistic innovations based on purpose Facebook marketplace: NWT (New with tag), PPU (Pending pick-up), EUC (Excellent used condition), VGUC (Very good used condition) 6) Blogs - Used to express opinion, clear personal voice

- Many sub-categories: lifestyle, travel, beauty, food, parenting… 7) Social media Features of CMD: - Omission of letters (msg, smth) - Phonetic spelling (what as wot)

Changes in language due to NCT: 1) Rise of ludic language: where language is used such that its primary function is to be part of play and amusement rather than primarily for effective communication, may have initially started as misspelling but no