technology theories

Question 1

John Humphrey, British journalist, views

Answer 1

-text messaging (SMS language) and online communication are “destroying the English language”.
-abbreviations, emoticons, and poor grammar (e.g. “gr8”, “u”, “lol”) as signs of linguistic decay.
-critical of descriptivist linguists (like David Crystal), who argue that language naturally evolves and that text speak is just another example of linguistic innovation.

Question 2

David crystal

Answer 2

-texting does not harm language/ his book “txting: the gr8 db8” : “Texting is not the death of English. It’s a new variety of language – not a replacement.”
-Technological Change = Linguistic Innovation : new genres of communication; new vocabulary; hybrid form
- Language Change is Natural

Crystal argues that language has always evolved, and fears about decline have existed for centuries.
New technology simply accelerates change or makes it more visible.

Question 3

Susan Herring

Answer 3

Her research focuses on how people use language in digital environments (e.g., email, chat rooms, social media) and how factors like gender, power, and technology shape online communication styles.
-It adapts tools from traditional linguistics to study: Structure of messages; Turn-taking; Lexical choices; Interactivity and tone
-Men tended to dominate discussions, used more assertive, confrontational language.
Women were more polite, supportive, and expressive, often using hedges, emoticons, and personal connections.
She argued that digital platforms replicate real-world gender dynamics, despite appearing neutral.
-Synchronous (e.g., live chat, instant messaging) — more informal, resembles spoken conversation.
Asynchronous (e.g., email, forums) — allows more time for planning and resembles written text.

Question 4

Marshall McLuhan – Views on Language and Technology

Answer 4

“The Medium is the Message” (medium being the form of communication)
- technology drives social and cultural change,
-print culture promotes linear, logical, individualistic thinking, while electronic media promotes oral, participatory, and interconnected thinking.
-This leads to: Rapid spread of English; Language convergence and hybridisation; Greater cultural and linguistic interconnectivity