Internet and the Systems of Language

One of the greatest impacts of the internet has been on language itself. The dominance of
English as the major language has resulted in the adoption of English language
characteristics by speakers of other languages. In some cases, vocabulary such as
browser, online and chat room, have been directly absorbed into the language of nonspeakers online, changing their language. In, addition, many email correspondents do not
take the time to put in accents that belong to Spanish, French or Swedish words for e.g.
which of course, changes language.

Syntactic (Sentence structure system) The syntactic system of language deals

with sentence structure. When we communicate over the internet it is no longer important
that we maintain proper sentence structure, especially if we are having an informal
conversation with another person e.g. friends or family members

Morphological (Word structure system) With the advent of the internet, informal
communication no longer seeks to maintain the structure of words. Communications with
someone via the internet has become easier since words can be spelt wrongly and still
maintain their meaning.
The following is a table showing a few of the many morphological changes
English Word
night
because
tomorrow
before
your

Internet Translation
nite
bcuz or b/c
2moro
b4
ur

Semantic (Meaning system) The majority of internet-associated words are

adaptation of vocabulary already in use. New compound words have been formed and
new meanings were ascribed to several already existing words. On Facebook you like
things and comment on things. Weve always done these things but now when we hear
these words we automatically think of Facebook. Also, many abbreviations have also
become accepted as words as we use letters for phrases instead of typing out the entire
phrase. No one wonders what they mean because they have already been incorporated
into vocabulary as having a word meaning.
The following are examples of words whose meanings have changed with the internet

Compound words: instant messaging, search engine, sign in, junk mail,
Words with new meanings: history, like, favourite, comment, traffic
Abbreviations: LOL, BRB, TTYL, FYI, ASAP, ILY, IDK, TMI

Phonological (Sound system) Changing pronunciation has been influenced by the

globalization through the internet. Cultures are exposed to each other which results in less
dominant cultures acquiring the pronunciation of the dominant ones. One third of Britons
taking part in a study now adopt the American-style schedule over the traditional
pronunciation, which has a softer sh sound. Changing pronunciation also occurs with
some abbreviations e.g. instead of saying L-O-L, we say is as a word pronounces lawl.
The same goes for A-S-A-P pronounces ay-sap

Pragmatic (Social and cultural aspects) The development of internet slang has
affected how we use language for different purposes. We use internet slang when
speaking to friends online but most of us know that it is inappropriate to use such
language in formal situations like sending a copy of your CV to a prospective employer
via email. We associate different languages with different social contexts.

The Internets Influence on the Functions of Language

1) Interactional Function The interactional function of language serves to build
and maintain relationships. The internet serves as a medium through which people
stay in touch with each other. It is no longer mandatory that we wait for face to
face interaction to communicate with each other e.g. chat rooms, e- mail,
facebook etc.

2) Informative Function As we know, the informative function serves in

conveying information. The internet has greatly changed the way we transfer
information from one point to another. We no longer have to go to the post office
or even call via telephone. This can be achieved through e - mailing, etc.

3) Heuristic Function The heuristic function of language has been improved

greatly by the internet. The internet now serves as a medium of finding
information on any topic. This has been made possible by search engines such as
Google, Yahoo, and Bing etc

4) Imaginative Function The internet enables us to create many fantasies and

ideas for our own personal entertainment or amusement e.g. cartoons, fanfic (Fan
Fiction), virtual fantasy gaming like COD (Call of Duty) and virtual worlds like
Minecraft

5) Instrumental Function The internet enables us to satisfy our wants by using

language in IM conversations or Video Calls and in online stores for example to
get what we want.

6) Personal Function Interaction over the internet, with its anonymity, high
degree of control, and the ability to find others similar to you in personality,
creates a unique protective environment that encourages people to express
themselves more freely than they would in a regular interaction. This may be
especially relevant to people who are socially inhibited and so find difficulty in
expressing themselves. Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

7) Regulatory Function The internet enables us to use language to control the

behaviours of others in Social Networking Sites and when having real time
conversation with others through IM conversations or Video Calling.

References
Communication studies for cape (Simmons et al)

Group Reflection

The main challenge that the group experienced was a difficulty to retrieve
the right information pertaining to the topic and the research question.