The present paper puts a focus on the contribution of the Internet genre “Netspeak” for the English language. In the context of English as a global language the paper firstly examines the status of the English language on the World Wide Web today for both native speakers (NS) and non-native speakers (NNS) and tries to describe in which ways these two groups use English to perform a wide range of communicative functions.
Furthermore, the paper describes the relatively new term “Netspeak” and provides an overview of some distinctive linguistic features and patterns of this specific genre of ‘electronically mediated communication’ (Chrystal 2010). In addition “Netspeak” is defined as a genre and the present paper gives explanations why it can be considered to be closely connected to the concept of community of practice. Finally the educational implications of “Netspeak” for English Language Teaching (ELT) will be discussed together with a proposal for a teaching unit about “Netspeak”.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE AIM OF THE PAPER
2. THE STATUS OF ENGLISH ON THE INTERNET TODAY
3. NETSPEAK
3.1 A DEFINITION OF NETSPEAK AND ITS DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
3.2 NETSPEAK AS A GENRE WITHIN A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
5. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the evolution and impact of the Internet genre "Netspeak" on the English language. It aims to analyze the current status of English on the World Wide Web, define the linguistic characteristics of Netspeak, and explore its conceptual relationship with the theory of a "community of practice," while finally discussing its pedagogical implications for English Language Teaching.
- The status and usage patterns of English on the global Internet.
- Linguistic features of Netspeak including abbreviations, emoticons, and paralinguistic restitution.
- Theoretical framing of Netspeak as a genre within a community of practice.
- Educational challenges and teaching strategies regarding digital language use.
Excerpt from the Publication
3.2 Netspeak as a genre within a community of practice
Research in Computer-mediated Communication (CMC) has shown that the Internet is no homogenous speech community (Thurlow 2001: 287). Considering various internet situations though, in this case the chat room or the MMORPG situation, it can be argued that each one of these has in a specific way its own homogenous speech community that is bound to a language use spectrum.
That spectrum ranges from a more markedly heterogeneous language use to a highly homogeneous language use, i.e. in the case of Netspeak to have a high proficiency of the code. In order to understand why Netspeak can be considered a genre, an early definition of genre provided by Swales is helpful (Askehave & Swales 2001: 3):
‘A genre comprises a class of communicative events, the members of which share some set of communicative purposes. These purposes are recognized by the expert members of the parent discourse community and thereby constitute the rationale for the genre. This rationale shapes the schematic structure of the discourse and influences and constrains choice of content and style. Communicative purpose is both a privileged criterion and one that operates to keep the scope of a genre as here conceived narrowly focused on comparable rhetorical action.(...) The genre names inherited and produced by discourse communities and imported by others constitute valuable ethnographic communication, but typically need further validation (Swales 1990: 58).’
Netspeak qualifies itself at least as an evolving genre because it contains most of the aspects described in the definition above. Firstly, all members using Netspeak on the Internet in chat rooms or in MMORPG sessions share a common ‘set of communicative purposes’.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of how technological advancements historically influence language and sets the research focus on Netspeak.
1.1 THE AIM OF THE PAPER: Outlines the goal of analyzing Netspeak's linguistic features, its status as a genre, and its implications for English language education.
2. THE STATUS OF ENGLISH ON THE INTERNET TODAY: Discusses the prevalence of English as the dominant language on the Internet and the rise of digital communication situations like chat rooms.
3. NETSPEAK: Serves as the primary analytical chapter defining the phenomenon and its linguistic patterns.
3.1 A DEFINITION OF NETSPEAK AND ITS DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: Details specific linguistic tools such as abbreviations, emoticons, and unconventional punctuation used for rapid digital interaction.
3.2 NETSPEAK AS A GENRE WITHIN A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE: Applies theoretical frameworks to explain how users adapt to and master Netspeak through regular interaction within digital communities.
5. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes findings regarding Netspeak's role as a communicative tool and its significance within modern educational contexts.
Keywords
Netspeak, Internet Linguistics, English as a World Language, Computer-mediated Communication, Community of Practice, Genre Analysis, Digital Communication, Emoticons, Abbreviations, English Language Teaching, Synchronous Chat, Language Evolution, Social Interaction, Online Discourse, Linguistic Innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper explores "Netspeak," a specific digital language genre that has emerged through Internet communication platforms like chat rooms and online gaming.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
Key themes include the status of global English on the Internet, the structural linguistics of digital communication, and the sociolinguistic concept of communities of practice.
What is the main research objective?
The primary aim is to analyze how Netspeak functions as a genre and to provide educational recommendations on how to address this informal language use within formal school settings.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work utilizes a descriptive, theory-based approach, applying genre analysis theories (e.g., Swales) and sociological concepts (e.g., Wenger) to categorize digital discourse.
What is discussed in the main part of the paper?
The main sections focus on defining Netspeak's distinctive features—such as abbreviations and emoticons—and exploring its evolution within homogenous speech communities.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The paper is defined by terms such as Netspeak, Community of Practice, Internet Linguistics, and English Language Teaching.
How does the author categorize the use of emoticons?
The author describes emoticons as conventionalized keyboard combinations used to overcome the lack of paralinguistic cues in written digital discourse, specifically to express emotional states.
Why does the author consider Netspeak an "evolving genre"?
Because the "rationale" and conventions of Netspeak are not static; expert members continuously create new abbreviations and conventions to meet the demand for increasingly faster communication.
- Quote paper
- Maximilian Mattes (Author), 2012, The genre "Netspeak". A contribution of the Internet for English as a World Language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/339463
