week 10- computer-mediated communication

Computer-mediated communication by the sound of it obviously refers to human-human communication via new mediums on the computer, such as instant messaging, email, web logs, twitter, skype, forums, tumblr, social-networking sites like facebook etc. These channels of communication moderate regular interaction patterns: speech or written forms. In a way, these open up new areas of research because speech acts and speech events such as compliment responses or written discourses, established aspects of linguistics studies, can be analysed in novel contexts. Further impact these have include changing language, and the way we use language, such as introducing new words like google and wiki into our vocabularies, as well as emoticons, abbreviations and the like. To think these things never existed before CMC is mind-boggling, while at the same time, the evolution of language in response to cultural processes is expected. Haha. It's really amazing that here I am typing a blog entry when blogs were unheard of a decade ago. Seems like the impact on our lifestyle is also evident. Most people I know either cannot live without the internet, or their handphones =P (look an emoticon!) Lol (acronym!)

One point that was brought up in class was that penetration rate for the use of hand phones, as well as the internet is extremely high in Singapore. Then, what impact does this have on our language use? With the frequent texting and instant messaging, the use of contracted forms becomes second-nature. Does this seep into our use of English? To me, this seems to parallel the argument regarding learning a second language. Does learning a second language impact one's command of his or her first language? Oh yes, and Singlish! Does Singlish affect the way you use English? Dr Deng said research indicates there is no evidence that CMC has any negative impact on language use but I guess as always, it depends on the individual. Foundation of the first language and how much exposure to CMC one is talking about. Most people I know adjust their use of netspeak and English based on the circumstances, just like how they switch from Singlish to formal English depending on the situation, or from English to their second language. It's all intuitive. But then again, my sample is biased, because my friends are all somewhat educated, possibly of a certain SES strata.

In any case, CMC certainly is an area worth exploring, whether it is gender differences, or looking at the different types of CMC. It's really interesting(to me at least). Such research poses new challenges because of the different variables involved, like whether communication is synchronous or asynchronous, one to one or one to many, so in essence, each type of CMC is different from the others. And while you can refer to research done on other kinds of CMC, findings may not be applicable to that particular type of CMC you are studying. An interesting period for linguistics studies and research. We'll just have to wait and see.