How does technology affect language use?

In this chapter, we explore language use and change as they apply to electronically mediated communication – more specifically text messaging. We discuss how technology affects communication and how users adapt to the ever-changing affordances and limitations of technology to achieve their communicative goals. We examine some of the shifts in language use that can be linked to the evolution of text messaging, describe some of the peculiarities of “textspeak” and reflect on the relationship between the medium of communication and individual, social and situational variables. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of the advantages and drawbacks that text messaging may bring for language users.