[net.general] Sociolinguistics of Computer Communication

ARPAVAX:bradr (05/17/82)

I am doing a project on the sociolinguistic aspects of communication
over computer links, both interactive (like UNIX "write") and batch
(like this newsitem).  I am looking for:
* Accounts of interesting interactions (as opposed to interesting
  content) over computer links.
* Descriptions of conventions used during interactive communication
  at various installations.  (e.g. at Berkeley, we use "-o-" as a
  turn-taking convention to mean "I am through talking, now it's
  your turn").
* What, to you, constitutes inappropriate or unsophisticated
  use of the medium (e.g. Are there circumstances under which you
  consider it rude for someone to initiate an interactive discussion?
  When reading a message, does its structure (as opposed to content)
  give you any clues as to how "computer-wise" the writer is?)
* Jargon you use particular to the medium (e.g. "cul" for "see you
  later" when terminating a conversation).
* Any pointers to literature on this topic you may know about.

Of course, I have combed a lot of news articles for this type of stuff,
but collecting interactive conversation is more difficult, because
of the obvious ethical problems of monitoring other people's
interactions (It would be wiretapping really, just easier to program).
So I am depending on voluntary contributions.  If you have any
information you would like to share, please send it to me via reply
mail.		  Thanks.
			   Brad Rubenstein,
			   ucbarpa!bradr,
			   bradr@berkeley

ARPAVAX:bradr (06/12/82)

My thanks to all who contributed in response to my USENET query
on your experiences in using computer mediated communication
for my sociolinguistics term project.

The paper evolved into a general exposition on the various forms
such communication can take, with a small amount of analysis on
adaptive mechanisms people use to deal with these forms.  The
exposition is at a fairly elementary level to you people out
in USENET land, though a portion on the use of TDD's by the
Deaf community you might find interesting.

A number of you asked for copies of the completed paper.  Because
the paper is long (approx 20 pages) and the topic slightly different
than what you expected, I am not just mailing out to clutter up
your tty screens.  If you would still like a copy, just send me mail.

			Brad Rubenstein
			...ucbvax!r:bradr   (uucp)
			r.bradr@berkeley	  (arpanet)