Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Chapter 5: Online Language and Social Interaction

While everyday life and human interaction relies heavily on communication, communication itself relies heavily on the use of proper grammar. The concepts addressed in chapter 5 stress that digital writing, especially through social media-based outlets, actually result in fragmented interaction. When conversing online, there is a lack of face-to-face communication. The book states that, "a smiling emoticon in an instant message may not mean the same thing or serve the same function as a smile in face-to-face conversation..." Further, when the text suggests that social media gives off the assumption that digital communication gives an "imperfect replica" of other modes of communication.

When dissecting the ideas the text offers, I became aware of all the "lol's" and "omg's" that have actually made their way into everyday, face-to-face, physical conversation. Have you ever had a professor tell the class to refrain from using "text-language" in their papers or assignments? I have. And I'm an English major.

Perhaps we use these internet slangs and online language simply because we're so used to doing so. Maybe we speak to our peers differently from figures of authority because we see our colleagues as our friends, the people who grew up in the same time period with the same social media outlets. But does that make it okay? Is it impacting our everyday life to drastic and negative extents?

It has been clearly stated that grammar is, in fact, important.  The book even mentions that "written language still remains our primary tool for communication in online environments." Proper grammar, whether it is through written or vocal communication, is the structure on which we base our everyday lives. Without it, points and ideas could not be addressed clearly and with strong articulation, which leads to miscommunication and confusion.

(I found this article online shortly after reading the text that, I think, proves the importance of grammar in everyday life).

Will online communication and internet jargon have an ultimate effect on our day to day communication skill? Will our use of proper grammar dwindle because of an assumed understanding of the digitally written word? It's an ongoing debate, but one can only hope that a ":)" will never replace the satisfaction of a genuine smile.

1 comment:

  1. I fear the day that commonly misused words such as "your" and "you're" eventually morph the English spelling and become some sort of ridiculous word that only those who are so enticed with internet logo trends will be able to understand what the new word will mean. It seems irrational, but it's a very real fear to me. So grab your gas masks because these toxic words will suffocate you.

    As for jargon and communication, I said goodbye to that long ago and never looked back. Sooner or later, "jargon" will mean how a user presents their profile and/or blog. It's disgusting, but how can one differentiate oneself from the crowd anymore? It's near impossible.

    My advice to all: don't give in to the strong currents of the internet and hopefully we will be able to preserve what;s left of the tide we've turned.

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