Computer-Mediated Communication: A Study of Language Variation on Internet Chat

Abstract: The aim of this study is to discern and examine the linguistic features that are peculiar to the kind of written English used in online chatrooms using the following research question: What characterizes and distinguishes the kind of written English used in online chatrooms in relation to conventional written English? The data used in this study have been collected from an English chatroom called “The English Room”. The messages sent on the chat have been observed and examined in the search of non-conventional linguistic features peculiar to this kind of written English with the hopes of answering the earlier-mentioned research question. The method used in this study is qualitative because conclusions have been drawn regarding the reasons people may have for choosing certain linguistic means to express themselves when chatting. Moreover, the findings from the chatroom have been compared to a predetermined taxonomy as to what to look for when examining the linguistic features characteristic of the kind of written English used when chatting online. It follows from the results that language is adapted to the medium and context where it is used, and that the kind of written English used in online chatrooms is no exception to this. On Internet Relay Chat (IRC), various restrictions in the form of temporal, spatial and social ones function as significant confining conditions that regulate and determine the form and size of communication in different ways. Most of the language features peculiar to IRC are used in order to save time and space. However, some features are used in order to reflect spoken language, and to demonstrate mastery of the social conventions of IRC. Besides, some language features can be used for several of these purposes.