NetWrite: A New Breed of Communication

Authors

  • Amy Paterson

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5931/djim.v6i1.36

Keywords:

Information in Society, Emoticons, Communication

Abstract

This paper examines the recent linguistic phenomena of texting and instant messaging, paying particular attention to the unique linguistic properties exhibited in digital communications. Through an examination of the use and influence of TextSpeak, I conclude that its demonstrated linguistic patterns are unique in conforming to a written standard, rather than the verbal conventions of other languages. Based on these conclusions, I recommend that this new language—here dubbed NetWrite—should be studied on its own unique terms rather than by its effect (or lack thereof) on traditional English.

Author Biography

Amy Paterson

Amy Paterson, originally from New Brunswick, is currently enjoying her first year of Dalhousie University’s MLIS program. She has a previous BA from St. Thomas University and an MA from Simon Fraser University in English Literature. She is extremely interested in the role of libraries in education and hopes to be a writer and a librarian. This paper was originally written as part of the

Information in Society MLIS course.

References

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