Language and the Internet

By Herring, S.C.

Language and Internet refer to human language as they are used in human-like manner through text- based CMC system.

Regarding the issues like ‘What is happening?” and “Why is it happening?” on Internet language, there are two different values between a prescriptivist perspective and a descriptivist perspective;

1. descriptivist perspective – non-standardness effects on traditional language causing decline the quality
2. prescriptivist perspective – non-standard language is playful, creative, performing useful social functions

As for five major areas in language on the Internet;

1. classification – characterize and label of CMC
2. structural features – typography, neologisms
3. discourse patterns
4. lens through which to study human behavior
5. languages and language ecologies

With reference to methodological issues and challenges associated with language and the Internet;

Internet language has –

1. advantages - ① abundance of naturally occurring data for research
② transcription not required
③”Lurk” – for studies of social interaction causing ethical issues
2. weak point – lacking in sound causing questions of phonetics and phonology
3. online multilingualism
4. challenge – constantly introducing new technologies → more study and research needed

In sum, spoken and visually-enhanced modes of networked and mobile communication will be continuously introduced as a new way of communication.