Internet Linguistics (Ling 004B) Syllabus

Despite predictions to the contrary, it seems that the internet has not destroyed English. But how has the internet changed language use, and the study of linguistics? This course will be an exploration of the various forms that language takes online and in other digital formats, such as texting. We will explore questions such as: Why do my parents insist on texting in full paragraphs?; Is the internet good or bad for the future of indigenous and minority languages?; Is there a difference in meaning between :), :-), ^_^,?; What are the differences and similarities between face-to-face and online communication? We will look at a range of sources and methods for investigating language use online, and use some of these methods in our own investigations of internet language