Net Speak

Initial Research Statement
This wiki page will be devoted to informing the public about the problem that is Netspeak. Netspeak is a plague that has infected the youth of today. It has spread like a virus through cyberspace and makes its presence known by degrading speech skills and plummeting essay grades. It has proven detrimental to our society, therefore there is a need to eradicate this growing epidemic. We plan on doing this by informing and educating the masses, because Education is a proven way to prevent problems in the world.

Background
Over the past 20 years the computer industry as well as information technology has grown exponentially. During this growth period a form of slang has risen called Net Speak. Net Speak is a type of language that computer users use on daily basis whether it is in Internet forums, instant messaging, or text messaging. Net speak terms are known as neologisms as they are words that have been relatively recently created but they are not accepted into a mainstream language. When Net Speak first began, devoted computer users such as computer programmers only used it. They began by simplifying and abbreviating very professional terms and used them as a way of communication. But, as there were a growing number of people to computers this slang passed into common usage.

Net Speak consists of terms users of the Internet have created in an effort of saving keystrokes. These terms are created by taking the starting letters of words and compressing them into a new sequence creating essentially a new word (Laugh Out Loud => LOL). Or, terms are created by altering or shortening a word (You=> U, Later=> l8tr). These terms grew rapidly with the introduction of instant messaging service such as AOL messenger, ICQ, MSN. Also, these terms grew with the likes of texting from mobile phones and online Internet game play. Net Speak creates certain problems as its linguistic barriers separate generations from communicating online.

Net Speak has even made it's way into mainstream literature. Recently there was a trio of books written in Net Speak; these books were authored by Lauren Myracle. Tittled TTYL, TTFN and more recently l8r g8r these books are the first real mainstream books written in Netspeak.



Definition
Definition: 	the language and characteristic mode of speaking peculiar to the Internet and online communication, esp. acronyms and shorthand used in posts and chatrooms

Pros of Net Speak
Net Speak has become popular not only because of its ease of use, but in its ability to make actions and emotions apparent through a computer screen. It is difficult and time consuming for one to convey thoughts without seeing or hearing the person on the other end of the mode of communication. Common short-hand phrases and Internet slang allow information to be transmitted quickly. It is much more efficient to type "lol" when letting the other person know when you think what they said is funny, rather than having to actually tell them that! It is a mutual understanding. Anatoly Liberman, a University of Minnesota professor and author of "Word Origins" put it best, net speak is a "time-saver but a brain-waster".

Cons of Net Speak
Net Speak is slang, and it destroys our language skills. Net Speak does convey what you are trying to say faster than writing it out. For example writing "just kidding" ever time you type jk. This however lessens how much we practice our spelling and writing skills. Net Speak is detrimental because it advocates the use of improper grammar and syntax, as well as incorrect spellings for the sake of convenience. This may also lead to misunderstandings, without the proper use of language. Net Speak not only ruin or English Language skills, but it also alienates generations previous to Generation Y, who utilize Net Speak the most. There are many sites devoted to helping earlier generations to learn the jargon used online known as Net Speak. A few sites are listed below in Resources. A list of Generations is listed below.

In Depth Look at Generations
Here is a break down of the generations. We used this table to figure out which generations are proficient in Net Speak and which generations are alienated.

'''2000/2001-Present - New Silent Generation or Generation Z

'''1980-2000 - Millennials or Generation Y

'''1965-1979 - Generation X

'''1946-1964 - Baby Boom

'''1925-1945 - Silent Generation

1900-1924 - G.I. Generation

G.I. Generation - Their time is well before the advent of modern computers. This makes them the most alienated by Net Speak.

Silent Generation - Computers are still a rarity at this time. They are also alienated by Net Speak.

Baby Boomers - Proficient in the more common terms of Net Speak.

Generation X - Not everyone had access to a computer, however this generation IS NOT alienated by Net Speak for the vast majority.

Generation Y - With Personal Computers being more and more economical and affordable, a much greater number have had exposure to technology and as a result a greater exposure to Net Speak. This group IS NOT alienated by Net Speak.

Generation Z - Will be as proficient as Generation Y and X in Net Speak, however still quite young in age.

Examples of Netspeak


lol = Laugh Out Loud

lmao = Laugh My Ass Off

nvm = Nevermind

brb = Be Right Back

rtfm = Read the f***ing manual

iirc = If I Recall Correctly

fyi = For Your Information

yw = You're Welcome

ty = Thank You

wb = Welcome Back

gtg/g2g = Got To Go



Sample Conversation
Trevor – Hey man, where u go last nite?

Josh – LMAO, so sorry buddy… I got into a huge fight with the GF. NVM… u probably dont want to hear about it.

Steve – O RLY? IIRC she wasnt too impressed with u.

Josh – FYI Steve… she was the 1 hitting on other guys all night while I only had eyes for her!

Nadine – Just say ILU to her and she will BRB in ur arms

John – This is dum y we speakin so like we got no brains.

All – N eway GTG

Group Information:
Team JJSTN

CPSC 203 Fall 2008 -- Section L02 -- Tam

CPSC 203 Fall 2008 -- Turorial 11 -- Tanvire Elahi

Group 3: Josh Beckie, John Stebbing, Nadine Garrison, Trevor Lyman, Steve Nguyen