The Language of Instant Messaging

[staffell]

HI there, I'm writing a paper on the language used in instant messaging. This is a relatively new area in the field of linguistics thus my question is; whether anyone know of any publications/journals that might help me in this field?

Even better would be if someone has looked at this particular topic before and has any other info on it..

Thanks, Dave.

[MrEggsalad]

Well, by language I assume you are talking about the shorthand such as "u r kewl" and not just that, but the overall feel of IMs. For the shorthand, you can go to BigBlueBall's Chat Lingo reference. For the other part, I think I can help out. Instant messages are just like what they are called, instant. You see books with extensive statements and information that's supporting something. In an instant message it's just what it is. Usually the information is not supported and it's more like chatting with your buds. You are just talking, and unless you are in a big discussion of something, you won't be supporting your statements. The language of instant messages does not consist of complete sentences. Many messages will be "lol" or "yeah" and other responses like it. If something is funny, even mildy you will probably see an "lol". There are many moods, but a basic mockup.

Funny = lol
Surprised/Mad = OMG
Greeting = What's up or sup
Some Conversaion = kewl.

There are some basics as far as what the majority of people you instant message will be like. In fact, the language of instant messages has ended up in almost making new words such as "heh" "meh" "kinda" "whateva" and other things like that. I have even found that those words make it into the real world. The language of IM is consise with shorthand and new words that have been made from our lazyness. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[staffell]

Hey man, thanks for the info.. I forgot to add that as well as just the language, I will be looking at the entire linguistic system, so as well as the lexis, things like the grammar, semantics, pragamatics, syntax etc and even paralinguistic features like being able to have conversations over a long period of time as well avoiding those all to familiar awkward silences that we encounter in normal face to face conversation.

I'll be sure to check back here frequently and probably leave a few more questions about the place. I was rough estimate for the number users of the various chat prgorams globally, so I posted a few other threads to see if anyone knew these statistics.

I'm slightly annoyed I only just discovered this site seems my dissertation is due in on may 15th, it's awesome! :/

Oh well!

Thanks again