1) On page 105-106, Ling describes a woman who uses a cell phone conversations as a "filler" until her friend arrives. How often do you do this and why do you think this is?
2) How does instant messaging add voice to writing? How and why does language differ in IMs than in real life communication? Do you think that IM is the closest form to personal conversation without hearing someone else's voice?
-Brett and Matt
I myself do use cell phones in any way as a filler between free time whether it be texting, checking my e-mail or facebook, playing a game, or talking on it. I do not like just sitting or standing somewhere, so say I am meeting a friend for lunch, if I show up before them and I am waiting, I will keep myself occupied by using my cell phone. If there are other people around, I feel kind of awkward if I am alone and just staring or looking around.
ReplyDeleteI do this all the time - unless there is a friend around that I can talk to. I do not like just sitting somewhere and doing nothing and a cell phone is an easy way to avoid doing that.
I'd say that instant messaging adds voice to writing because it is generally a very relaxed, conversational tone. The use of emoticons further helps to clarify any tonal confusions that could occur when reading plain text. For example, you could im someone "why'd you do that," and it could come off as abrupt or accusatory, where adding an emoticon, "why'd you do that ;)" completely changes the context and tone of the message.
ReplyDeleteI'd say that the language differs for two reasons. First off, there are abbreviations because typing a word takes longer to say a word, and it maintains a faster speed for the conversation. Secondly, there again terms that can be used to add context to the conversation to make up for the fact that you don't have the physical cues you would normally have in conversation, such as LOL.
I do think that im is the best form for personal communication, but I wouldn't classify it as a substitute for hearing someone else's voice. There is too much time lag during an im conversation for it to be a really good replacement, because generally people are im'ing while they are doing something else, or holding conversations with multiple people.
I don't usually use my phone as a filler if I can help it. If I'm prepared I usually have a book, but if I have nothing else to do I will text or play a game as a filler.
ReplyDeleteI think that IM is definitely the closest thing to personal conversation without actually hearing someone else's voice, if only because with IM you can send blurbs and faces, and things that will make it more personal. However, it is not a substitute for hearing someone's voice. If you hear them then you can actually tell (almost always) what they are really thinking and feeling. You can hear inflictions and tone, but it is always better to see that person and be with that person.