Language is always evolving and the Internet has certainly speeded up this process. New technology has created the need for new words and ways of expressing and the change has been rapid. As we have become more reliant on our smart phones and computers, the way in which we communicate with each other in our everyday life has changed completely. It made it easier for us to interact with people across the world with a single touch through social networking sites, such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
The wider Internet and social media have become the main influence in changing language, especially English, which is considered the “lingua franca” of the Internet. They have created a universally understood slang that not only has found a way into everyday conversations, but also coined new words and had a tremendous effect on the English language and the way we communicate. Although can it still be called “slang” when it gains such an official status?
The use of different forms of English, like acronyms and abbreviations, has increased drastically and they have had a significant role in the new words that are being introduced on a regular basis. This emerging manner of communicating affects many different people in various ways. It is an interesting phenomenon that affects not only youth, but people from all age and social groups and across national borders. Since these changes have been so significant, there is disagreement on whether these changes have been negative or positive. The purpose of my thesis is to examine these views and present the arguments in support in support of each side .
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Chapter I. Introduction to Internet English
- 1.1. Terms Used By Linguists
- 1.2. The Need for Netspeak
- 1.3. Earlier Instances of Use of Abbreviations
- 1.3.1 Medieval Abbreviations
- 1.4. New Words and Abbreviations in Social Media
- 1.5. Internet "Slang" Abbreviations
- 1.6. Emojis and English
- 1.7. Other Internet Languages
- Chapter 2: Negative Effects of Internet English
- 2.1. Deteriorating literacy.
- 2.2. Overusage of Netspeak.
- 2.3. Shrinking Vocabulary.
- 2.4. Adults setting bad examples.
- Chapter 3: Positive Effects of Internet English
- 3.1. Social Media as a Preventer of Mistakes.
- 3.2. Making Reading and Writing More Appealing.
- 3.3. Reappropriation: Old Words, New Meanings.
- 3.4. Merging of English with Other Languages
- 3.5. Netspeak Literature
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to investigate the development of Internet English, examining both the positive and negative impacts of this evolving linguistic landscape. It explores the historical context of abbreviated language, the emergence of "netspeak," and its influence on modern communication. The analysis considers the arguments for and against the changes brought about by online interactions.
- The evolution of Internet English and its relationship to traditional forms of language.
- The impact of technology on language change, specifically the acceleration of existing trends.
- The arguments surrounding the negative and positive effects of Internet English on literacy and communication.
- The role of social media in shaping and disseminating Internet English.
- The appropriation and re-purposing of existing words and linguistic structures within online communication.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter I. Introduction to Internet English: This chapter introduces the concept of Internet English as a constantly evolving form of language, shaped by technological advancements and the demands of online communication. It establishes the common "complaint tradition" regarding language change, highlighting the historical perspective of evolving linguistic norms. The chapter defines "netspeak" and explores various related terms used by linguists, illustrating the difficulty in pinpointing the origin of specific online phrases and the need for adapting language to suit the context of electronic communication. It further contextualizes this change through the historical use of abbreviations and their parallels to medieval abbreviation practices.
Chapter 2: Negative Effects of Internet English: This chapter focuses on the potential negative consequences of Internet English. It explores concerns regarding deteriorating literacy, the overreliance on abbreviated language, and the potential shrinking of vocabulary due to the prevalence of netspeak. The chapter also addresses the issue of adults setting negative examples through their use of informal online language, thereby impacting younger generations’ development of proper writing skills. This chapter highlights the various potential downsides of rapid language evolution caused by the spread of internet slang.
Chapter 3: Positive Effects of Internet English: This chapter counters the previous chapter by highlighting the positive aspects of Internet English. It argues that social media can prevent language mistakes by providing immediate feedback and opportunities for correction. It further explores how the unique style of online writing can enhance the appeal of reading and writing, engaging a wider audience. The chapter also details the reappropriation of old words with new meanings, creating vibrant and dynamic language, and discusses the merging of English with other languages due to increased global interconnectedness facilitated by the Internet. The potential for "netspeak literature" as a new genre is also mentioned.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Internet English, netspeak, language change, online communication, social media, literacy, vocabulary, abbreviations, acronyms, emojis, linguistic evolution, digital discourse, medieval abbreviations.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Internet English
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of Internet English, exploring its historical development, its impact on communication, and the ongoing debate surrounding its positive and negative effects on language and literacy. It examines the evolution of "netspeak," the role of social media, and the broader implications of this evolving linguistic landscape.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
The key themes include the evolution of Internet English and its relationship to traditional language; the influence of technology on language change; the positive and negative effects of Internet English on literacy and communication; the role of social media in shaping and spreading Internet English; and the appropriation and repurposing of existing words and linguistic structures within online communication.
What are the objectives of this text?
The text aims to investigate the development of Internet English, examining both its positive and negative impacts. It seeks to explore the historical context of abbreviated language, the emergence of "netspeak," and its influence on modern communication, considering arguments for and against the changes brought about by online interactions.
What aspects of Internet English are discussed in Chapter 1?
Chapter 1 introduces the concept of Internet English as an evolving language, shaped by technology and online communication. It explores the historical use of abbreviations, defines "netspeak," discusses terminology used by linguists, and examines the emergence of new words and abbreviations in social media, including emojis and other internet languages.
What are the negative effects of Internet English discussed in Chapter 2?
Chapter 2 focuses on the potential negative consequences, such as deteriorating literacy, over-reliance on abbreviated language, shrinking vocabulary, and the impact of adults setting negative examples for younger generations through their use of informal online language.
What are the positive effects of Internet English discussed in Chapter 3?
Chapter 3 highlights the positive aspects, arguing that social media can prevent language mistakes, enhance the appeal of reading and writing, lead to the reappropriation of old words with new meanings, merge English with other languages, and even create a new genre of "netspeak literature."
What is "netspeak"?
“Netspeak” refers to the characteristic language used in online communication, often involving abbreviations, acronyms, emojis, and other informal linguistic features unique to digital environments.
What is the historical context of abbreviated language discussed in the text?
The text explores the historical use of abbreviations, drawing parallels between modern online abbreviations and medieval abbreviation practices, demonstrating that language adaptation to technological contexts is not a new phenomenon.
What role does social media play in the development of Internet English?
Social media plays a significant role in shaping and disseminating Internet English, providing a platform for its rapid evolution and widespread adoption. The text explores both its positive and negative influences on language use and literacy.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include Internet English, netspeak, language change, online communication, social media, literacy, vocabulary, abbreviations, acronyms, emojis, linguistic evolution, digital discourse, and medieval abbreviations.
- Citar trabajo
- Danira Mushani (Autor), 2016, The Development of Internet English under the Influence of Communication through Social Media, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/376909
