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
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the contribution of the Internet genre "Netspeak" to the English language, focusing on its use by both native and non-native speakers. It explores the changing status of English online and analyzes the linguistic features of Netspeak, defining it as a genre within a community of practice. The paper also discusses the educational implications of Netspeak for English Language Teaching.
- The evolving status of English on the internet.
- The definition and linguistic features of Netspeak.
- Netspeak as a genre within a community of practice.
- The educational implications of Netspeak for English Language Teaching (ELT).
- The impact of various internet communication technologies on English.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the transformative impact of technology on language evolution, citing the examples of the printing press and the telephone. It emphasizes the unexpected diversification of language due to the internet's various communication technologies (WWW, email, chat rooms, etc.), each fostering unique linguistic styles. The chapter then clearly states the paper's aim: to investigate Netspeak's contribution to English as a global language, focusing on its use by both native and non-native speakers, its linguistic features, its classification as a genre within a community of practice, and its pedagogical implications for ELT.
2. The status of English on the Internet today: This chapter details the shifting dominance of English on the internet. While initially dominated by native English speakers, the proportion decreased from over 80% in 1996 to 32% in 2005, due to increased usage by non-native speakers and the rise of localized e-commerce. Despite this shift, English remains the most widely used language online. The chapter also categorizes internet communication situations into four types: email, chat groups, virtual worlds, and the World Wide Web, highlighting the emergence of Netspeak, particularly within chat groups and virtual worlds, as a new manifestation of global English used extensively by younger users.
3. Netspeak: This chapter delves into Netspeak, defining it and exploring its key characteristics. Netspeak is primarily used in synchronous online interactions (chatting, MMORPGs), requiring rapid responses. This time constraint results in the use of pre-constructed speech acts and various linguistic features designed for quick, spontaneous, and creative communication. Examples include homophones (RU... for "Are you..."), acronyms (BRB, CMIW), and a combination of both (CYL8R). The chapter also introduces the concept of "paralinguistic restitution," techniques used to replicate aspects of verbal communication in written online interactions, such as indicating tone or emotion.
Keywords
Netspeak, English as a World Language, Internet genres, electronically mediated communication, linguistic features, community of practice, English Language Teaching (ELT), native speakers (NS), non-native speakers (NNS), online communication, synchronous communication, acronyms, homophones, paralinguistic restitution.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper examines the contribution of "Netspeak," an internet genre, to the English language, focusing on its use by both native and non-native speakers. It explores the changing status of English online and analyzes Netspeak's linguistic features, defining it within a community of practice. The paper also discusses Netspeak's educational implications for English Language Teaching (ELT).
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including: the evolving status of English on the internet; the definition and linguistic features of Netspeak; Netspeak as a genre within a community of practice; the educational implications of Netspeak for ELT; and the impact of various internet communication technologies on English.
What is Netspeak, and what are its defining characteristics?
Netspeak is a form of language primarily used in synchronous online interactions (chatting, MMORPGs). Its defining characteristics include the use of pre-constructed speech acts, acronyms (e.g., BRB, CMIW), homophones (e.g., RU... for "Are you..."), and a combination of both (e.g., CYL8R). It also employs "paralinguistic restitution" to convey tone and emotion in written communication.
What is the current status of English on the internet?
While initially dominated by native English speakers, the proportion has decreased due to increased usage by non-native speakers and the rise of localized e-commerce. Despite this shift, English remains the most widely used language online. The paper categorizes internet communication into email, chat groups, virtual worlds, and the World Wide Web, highlighting Netspeak's emergence, particularly in chat groups and virtual worlds, as a new manifestation of global English used extensively by younger users.
What are the educational implications of Netspeak for English Language Teaching (ELT)?
The paper discusses the pedagogical implications of Netspeak for ELT, though the specific implications are not detailed in the provided preview. The inclusion of this theme suggests that the full paper likely explores how Netspeak can be incorporated into or informs ELT methodologies.
What types of internet communication are discussed?
The paper discusses various forms of internet communication, including email, chat groups, virtual worlds, and the World Wide Web, highlighting how each fosters unique linguistic styles and the rise of Netspeak within certain contexts.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Netspeak, English as a World Language, Internet genres, electronically mediated communication, linguistic features, community of practice, English Language Teaching (ELT), native speakers (NS), non-native speakers (NNS), online communication, synchronous communication, acronyms, homophones, and paralinguistic restitution.
What is the purpose of this paper?
The paper aims to investigate Netspeak's contribution to English as a global language, focusing on its use by both native and non-native speakers, its linguistic features, its classification as a genre within a community of practice, and its pedagogical implications for ELT.
- 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.grin.com/document/339463
