Language, mobile phones and internet : a study of SMS texting, email, IM and SNS chats in computer mediated communication (CMC) in Kenya

Author(s):
Barasa, S.N.
Published
2010
Publication type
Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

This book examines the use of language in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) genres in Kenya. It focuses on Short Messaging Service (SMS), Email, Instant Messages (IM) and Social Network Sites (SNS) genres. It presents an overview of the use and characteristics of Kenyan languages in CMC texts based on data from university students in Kenya and young urban professionals. The findings reveal that factors like the need to use least effort, rapidity, technical limitations and informality play a key role in influencing the structure of messages. The book further establishes that characteristics of the CMC texts in Kenya involve variables such as pronunciation, spelling, abbreviation, acronyms, exclusive use of consonants, contractions, capitalization, punctuations marks, graphics, spelling errors, and codeswitching.

ChatsCodeswitchingComputer Mediated Communication (CMC)EmailEngshIMInternetLanguage in KenyaPrinciples of CommunicationShengSMSSNS
Defense date
2010-11-11
Language
English
Supervisor(s)
Mous, M.P.G.M.; Oostendorp, M. van
Qualification
Ph.D.
Degree granting institution
Leiden Univ Centre for Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University, Leiden
Publisher
Utrecht: LOT
hdl
1887/16136
ISBN(s)
9789460930447
Series
LOT dissertation series
Volume in series
265

Juridical information

Court
LEI Universiteit Leiden