Interactive Written Discourse as an Emergent Register

TLDR

Electronic computer‑mediated communication is increasingly common yet poorly documented, and its evolving norms may eventually shape or replace traditional writing styles. The study investigates the syntactic and stylistic characteristics of Interactive Written Discourse (IWD) and shows that a register‑based framework explains its frequent reductions and omissions. The authors empirically examined 23 experienced computer users exchanging linked‑computer messages while planning travel, comparing the resulting IWD to the brief note‑taking register. The analysis revealed frequent omissions of subject pronouns, copulas, and articles, indicating that IWD blends spoken and written traits, and that conventions such as initial lower‑case and parentheses are gradually standardizing.

Abstract

Text transmitted electronically through computer-mediated communication networks is an increasingly available yet little documented form of written communication. This article examines the syntactic and stylistic features of an emergent phenomenon called Interactive Written Discourse (IWD) and finds that the concept of “register,” a language variety according to use, helps account for the syntactic reductions and omissions that characterize this historical juxtaposition of text format with real-time and interactive pressures. Similarities with another written register showing surface brevity, the note taking register, are explored. The study is an empirical examination of written communication from a single discourse community, on a single topic, with a single recipient, involving 23 experienced computer users making travel plans with the same travel advisor by exchanging messages through linked computers. The study shows rates of omissions of subject pronouns, copulas, and articles and suggests that IWD is a hybrid, showing features of both spoken and written language. In tracing variable use of conventions such as sentence initial lower case and parentheses, the study shows that norms are gradually emerging. This form of written communication demands study because, as capabilities expand, norms associated with this medium of communication may come to influence or even replace those of more traditional writing styles.