Our example of an MSN text reflects a communication between two teenagers who are sharing their thoughts about the upcoming examinations. The features of language found in this text are mainly features of SCE, though there are some instances where Standard English (StdE) was used. In Singapore, this phenomenon is commonly seen in informal communication between friends to reflect their solidarity and warmth. Using this variety of English enables them to connect with each other.
Since MSN is a new technology medium of hybrid nature, one can therefore expect a situation where features of speech-like interactions are used with written resources. The context and atmosphere of communicating through this medium is similar to face-to face interaction between two or more persons. Hence, the speed at which the speech-like text appears on screen must be as instantaneous as possible to have an immediate response. For this to be possible, MSN users must not only type at a fast pace but also employ different strategies such as clipping, non-conventional spelling and acronyms to shorten words and phrases. This will reduce the time taken to type out the words. In users’ efforts to shorten words, problems of inconsistencies arise due to the lack of linguistic rules in this medium. For instance, in our MSN text, the word ‘tomorrow’ is spelt as either ‘2moro’or ‘tml’. Users could understand each other despite the lack of rules in spelling used during a MSN chat. As users are not able to express their feelings through written resources such as the variation of tone and pitch, it is also observed that emoticons are commonly used as visual cues to express emotions. Examples of the features mentioned above are illustrated in the extract below.
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
On the other hand, the users in our example of a forum are strangers who converge because of a common interest. For this particular forum, the topic of interest is about a new housing estate being built in the North-East area of Singapore where the users will be living in, once it is completed. Despite being strangers, users can still comment and update each other on the progress of the construction using this new communications technology. Other than sharing this common interest, the users are people of varying ages and have different socio-economic backgrounds. Since the forum is the users’ only point of contact with each other, the language used is mostly formal with features of StdE most of the time. However, it is observed that users used some form of stylisation, mixing StdE with a little SCE, especially at the end of their sentences. It is also observed that emoticons are also used as visual cues. These features are used to give a lighter tone to users’ comments, so that they do not come across as being too formal and serious with fellow users. In addition, forums do not require users to respond immediately and hence, shortening of words is less prevalent as compared to MSN. Examples of the features mentioned above are illustrated in the extract below.(Click on the picture to enlarge)
To fully utilise the benefits of using new communication technology, a change in language, in terms of how words are used, occurs. Another factor affecting the way we use language is the social setting and the relationship between the users. In this instance, the language may be varied depending on the context and formality of the situation.
By knowing the language features people commonly use online, we will be able to better understand why our students make such mistakes in their writing. With better knowledge on why and how such features are used, it would be easier for us to explain to our students that different domains and media have different language features. Using examples such as the ones mentioned above, students can be taught to be aware that they have to choose the appropriate language features that fit the different domains and media for them to be accepted.
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Posted by:
Tan Yi Siu, Priscillia
Teo Yan Yan, Jasmine
Xie Jialun
Siti Manisah binte As'at
(TG06)
