In the last three decades, personal computers and the Internet have had a great impact on language. The up-and-coming field of linguistics concerned with this phenomenon is research in computer-mediated communication (CMC). CMC takes a variety of forms (e-mail, chat, SMS, blogs, etc.; both synchronous and asynchronous) where linguistic properties vary depending on the medium and its social functions. In this seminar we will investigate language use in the different communicative modes “produced when human beings interactwith one another by transmitting messages via networked computers” (Herring 2001). The course provides hands-on computer practice with real CMC data. It will equip you with tools for understanding and analysing different types of CMC and the way that CMC users employ semiotic and linguistic resources different from more traditional modes of communication. There will also be room for discussions about the ethics of CMC-based research, social interaction and the construction of virtual identities.
Recommended preparatory readings
Herring, Susan C.. 2007. “A Faceted Classification Scheme for Computer-mediated Discourse.” Language@Internet Volume 4, Number 1, article 1 (2007-01-08). [online http://www.languageatinternet.org/articles/2007/761]
Yus, Francisco. 2011. Cyberpragmatics – Internet-mediated Communication in Context. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins. |
