Theory: Language Change, Technological Change Theorists, Experiments and Studies

Question 1

General, Changes in Orthography

Answer 1

Over the course of the past 30 years, the increases in technology have been vast. The internet and SMS messages allowed communication to be digital. This led to new varieties of English emerging to meet this new medium. Limits on characters encouraged users to be innovative with language and therefore, speed and length became a factor in language composition. This was seen in the changes in orthography:
• Abbreviations - for example, ‘cuz’.
• Numerical-phonetic substitution - replacing words or sounds with numbers - for example, ‘wuu2’ uses the number ‘2’ instead of the word ‘to’.
• Initialisms - for example, ‘Imao’.
• Acronyms - for example, ‘lol’.
• Emoticons and emojis - for example, ‘©’ and “:-)
• Non-standard punctuation - for example, ‘No way!!!’

Question 2

Linguistic Compression

Answer 2

Carrington et al

Text language is a form of linguistic compression.

Question 3

Tone, Intonation and Paralinguistic Features

Answer 3

Werry

Text language users often use more letters in order to accommodate tone, intonation and paralinguistic features (non-verbal elements of communication that accompany spoken language).

Question 4

Creativity

Answer 4

Shortis

Text language shows creativity.

Question 5

English’s Evolution

Answer 5

Crystal

Text language is just the next stage in English’s evolution.

Question 6

A Miracle Change

Answer 6

McWhorter

Text language allows users to write how they speak and this is a miracle change.

Question 7

No Link

Answer 7

Wood

There is no link between the use of text language and use of standard forms.

Question 8

Unintentional Spelling Mistakes

Answer 8

Tagg

It is more likely to find unintentional spelling mistakes than it is to find text language.

Question 9

Intensive

Answer 9

Lee

The more intensive a texter, the smaller their vocabulary.

Question 10

Lacking an Understanding of Grammar

Answer 10

Cingle and Sundar

Use of text language is linked to lacking an understanding of grammar.

Question 11

Computers

Answer 11

Fairclough

Computers mirror actual conversation, like with turn taking.

Question 12

Teenagers

Answer 12

Tagliamonte

Teenagers use of instant messaging and emails can help us to predict how we will be using language in spoken interactions.

Question 13

The Internet

Answer 13

Shortis

The internet allows users to create an identity which isn’t real.