Due to the fact that the number of Internet users worldwide has grown at 146.2% within the last five years from 2000 to 2005, the Internet itself has become one of the most important and essential kinds of modern media we can imagine these days - at least in the industrialised countries . Recent research statistics from the 31st of March 2005 show that there are currently 888,681,131 Internet users all over the world, which constitutes 13.9% of the whole world population . The main reason why the Internet has established such a prominent position in the world of media is because it covers a wide-ranging field of interests such as news, career, spare time activities, and communication. Since human beings are primarily characterised by an intrinsic urge to communicate with one another, it is no wonder that the invention of the Internet has brought up various forms of computer mediated communication (CMC). One of the most popular and favoured forms of CMC is Internet Chat because it is said to be so close to face-to-face communication like no other kind of mediated communication.
In the following section, this report will first give some brief background information about Internet Chat; then it will investigate the general structure pattern of chat conversations; and finally, it will analyse the relationship between verbal and nonverbal language aspects of chat communication in order to find out whether Internet Chat can really be regarded as a written form of oral communication which integrates oral components into graphical constructions of utterances (Schmidt 2000 : 126).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Internet Chat communication and essential background information
- What is Internet Chat and how can it be accessed?
- Internet Relay Chat
- Web Chat
- Chat structure
- Analysis of Internet Chat
- Oral language vs. Written language
- Verbal strategies of Internet Chat communication
- Nonverbal strategies of Internet Chat communication
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This report aims to provide background information on internet chat communication, analyze its structure, and investigate the interplay between verbal and nonverbal language aspects within this communication mode. The goal is to determine if internet chat can be accurately classified as a written form of oral communication integrating oral elements into graphical utterance constructions.
- The nature of internet chat as a form of computer-mediated communication (CMC).
- Comparison of internet chat to traditional oral and written communication.
- Analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication strategies employed in internet chat.
- The structural characteristics of internet chat conversations.
- The influence of contextual factors on internet chat communication.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the context of the report by highlighting the rapid growth of internet usage and its significance as a modern medium, particularly in developed countries. It emphasizes the importance of communication and the rise of CMC, focusing on internet chat's popularity due to its perceived proximity to face-to-face communication. The report's structure is outlined, promising background information, a structural analysis of chat conversations, and a final analysis of verbal and nonverbal aspects of chat communication to determine its classification as a written form of oral communication.
Internet Chat and essential background information: This chapter provides a foundational understanding of internet chat. It defines internet chat as a real-time, text-based form of online communication, contrasting it with delayed forms like email. The process of accessing internet chat, including login procedures and the creation of virtual communication spaces (chat rooms or channels), is explained. The chapter distinguishes between two main types of internet chat: Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and Web Chat, detailing their access methods, network structures, and common uses. It also touches upon the challenges in defining a general structure for chat conversations due to the dynamic nature of participation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Internet chat, computer-mediated communication (CMC), oral communication, written communication, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, chat structure, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Web Chat, online communication, real-time communication, text-based communication.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Internet Chat Communication
What is the main topic of this report?
This report focuses on internet chat communication, analyzing its structure and the interplay between verbal and nonverbal language aspects within this communication mode. It aims to determine if internet chat can be accurately classified as a written form of oral communication incorporating oral elements into graphical utterance constructions.
What are the key themes explored in the report?
Key themes include the nature of internet chat as a form of computer-mediated communication (CMC); a comparison of internet chat to traditional oral and written communication; an analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication strategies used in internet chat; the structural characteristics of internet chat conversations; and the influence of contextual factors on internet chat communication.
What types of internet chat are discussed?
The report distinguishes between two main types: Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and Web Chat. It details their access methods, network structures, and common uses.
How does the report define internet chat?
Internet chat is defined as a real-time, text-based form of online communication, contrasting it with delayed forms like email.
What are the key differences between oral and written language in the context of internet chat?
The report analyzes the differences between oral and written language as they manifest in internet chat, investigating how verbal and nonverbal strategies are employed in this unique communication mode.
What is the report's conclusion regarding the classification of internet chat?
The report aims to determine whether internet chat is best classified as a written form of oral communication or a distinct communication mode. The conclusion summarizes the findings of this analysis.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview offers summaries for the introduction (establishing context and outlining the report's structure), the chapter on internet chat background information (defining internet chat, explaining access methods, and differentiating IRC and Web Chat), and a concluding chapter.
What keywords are associated with this report?
Keywords include: Internet chat, computer-mediated communication (CMC), oral communication, written communication, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, chat structure, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Web Chat, online communication, real-time communication, and text-based communication.
What is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a section on internet chat and essential background information (including sub-sections on what internet chat is, IRC, Web Chat, and chat structure), a section on the analysis of internet chat (including sub-sections on oral vs. written language, and verbal and nonverbal strategies), a conclusion, and references.
What is the overall objective of this report?
The report aims to provide background information on internet chat communication, analyze its structure, and investigate the interplay between verbal and nonverbal language aspects within this communication mode to determine its accurate classification.
- Quote paper
- Master of Education Thomas Schachtebeck (Author), 2005, Internet Chat Communication, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/165044
