This research paper explores texting as a language variety. It will summarize and explain the defining linguistic features, meaning-making elements of texting, and their frequency of use.
Therefore, the works of the leading expert on the language of texting, David Crystal, serves as the theoretical basis. To determine how and how often certain features are used, a corpus of text messages will be analyzed.
Furthermore, the paper will present the main causes and incentives responsible for the development of these features; it will start with general information on the corpus, followed by a description and analysis of the most commonly used linguistic features, their usage, and purpose.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 General Information on the Corpus
3 Abbreviations
3.1 Logograms
3.2 Initialisms
3.3 Omitted Letters
3.3.1 Colloquial Contractions
4 Pictograms
5 Conclusion
6 Primary Sources
7 Secondary Sources
8 Appendix
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines text messaging as a unique language variety by analyzing its defining linguistic features, their usage, and their frequency. The primary research question addresses how these specific linguistic features influence the meaning and legibility of text messages sent and received.
- Analysis of defining linguistic features in text messaging
- Categorization of abbreviations including logograms, initialisms, and omitted letters
- Role of pictograms and emojis as non-verbal communication substitutes
- Evaluation of meaning-making elements and their impact on message tone
- Quantitative analysis based on a corpus of text messages
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Logograms
In order to limit the number of letters, people started to represent words, parts of words, or even noises associated with actions by single letters, numerals, and typographic symbols (Crystal, 2008, p .37-39):
e.g. b → be 2 → to
@ → a x → kiss
These graphic units can be used in combination (Crystal, 2008, p. 38):
e.g. b4 → before 2day → today zzz → sleeping
@toms → atoms xxx → kisses.
Logograms are based on the pronunciation of the chosen symbol rather than the shape (Crystal, 2008, p. 38); the phonetic transcription of both the logogram u and its original word you, for example, is /ju/ (Fernández, 2014, p. 5).
Measured by the total number of cases, logograms are the most commonly used type of abbreviation in the corpus. The reason for the abundancy of logograms is that they often do not change the legibility of a message while saving numerous letters. Therefore, their primary purpose is to abbreviate messages (Fernández, 2014, p. 11-13). A distinctive feature of logograms in terms of frequency is that they are used in equilibrium with the original word they represent. The word you is the third most used word in the corpus while its logogram u takes rank nine; in slightly over 50% of the cases the original word is replaced. This kind of equilibrium represents the most significant difference in terms of frequency compared to the following method of abbreviating.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the development of texting and defines the research scope and objectives.
2 General Information on the Corpus: Describes the origin and composition of the text message data used for the analysis.
3 Abbreviations: Explores the history and function of shortened language forms in modern communication.
3.1 Logograms: Analyzes the use of symbols and numbers to replace words based on their phonetic pronunciation.
3.2 Initialisms: Examines the practice of using first letters of words to create shorthand expressions.
3.3 Omitted Letters: Discusses the systematic dropping of vowels and consonants to increase writing efficiency.
3.3.1 Colloquial Contractions: Investigates the deliberate misspelling of informal words to reflect everyday speech.
4 Pictograms: Explains the function of emoticons and emojis as substitutes for non-verbal cues and emotional intonation.
5 Conclusion: Summarizes the findings regarding how linguistic features enhance speed and convey meaning in digital communication.
6 Primary Sources: Lists the corpus data and technical resources used.
7 Secondary Sources: Provides the academic literature and references supporting the study.
8 Appendix: Presents detailed statistical data regarding word frequency found in the analyzed corpus.
Keywords
Text messages, linguistic features, logograms, initialisms, omitted letters, colloquial contractions, pictograms, emojis, non-verbal communication, corpus linguistics, digital communication, language variety, abbreviations, meaning-making, text messaging
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper explores texting as a language variety, focusing on the defining linguistic features and how they are used to convey meaning and influence message legibility.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The research covers various types of abbreviations (logograms, initialisms, omitted letters) and the use of pictograms/emojis in mobile communication.
What is the core research question?
The study aims to determine the extent to which the linguistic features of texting influence the meaning and legibility of messages.
What methodology does the author employ?
The paper uses a corpus-based approach, analyzing 4,962 text messages from a de-identified corpus to observe the frequency and function of specific linguistic features.
What does the main body discuss?
It details the categorization and usage of different shorthand techniques and explains how they serve as meaning-making elements to set the tone of a conversation.
Which keywords characterize this research?
Key terms include text messages, abbreviations, logograms, initialisms, pictograms, emojis, and corpus linguistics.
Why are initialisms like "lol" so prevalent in text messages?
According to the research, initialisms like "lol" often serve as speech tokens to mitigate unpleasant messages or convey tone rather than just representing literal words.
What role do emojis play in digital communication?
Emojis and pictograms serve as a substitute for the intonation and non-verbal cues typically present in face-to-face interactions, helping to clarify the intended meaning of written messages.
Does the process of omitting letters hinder understanding?
The study finds that omitting vowels and certain consonants does not significantly disturb the reading flow, as long as the core consonants remain, making it an efficient tool for communication.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sven Frueh (Autor:in), 2019, The Linguistic Features of Text Messages. Influence on Legibility and Meaning, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/496777
