Ministry of Drama: Second Graded Assignment - Computer Mediated Communication

Analysis of Linguistic Deviations on Facebook Wall Posts

Introduction

Computer Mediated Communication or also known as CMC is a field of research which explores social, communicative and linguistic impact of communication technologies, which have continually evolved in connection with the use of computer networks, especially the internet (Beißwenger & Storrer, 2008). Corpus, on the other hand, is a body of a text or a large structured text which serves as a data in producing statistical analysis, validating linguistic rules and many more. Hence, corpus can usually be found in various genres of CMC, such as group emails, public chat rooms, bulletin boards, blogs and many more.

The corpus that has been chosen in this particular research is Facebook whereby a few statuses and posts together with its comments were selected in order to analyze the use of different linguistic deviations that are most commonly used. Linguistic deviation is basically typical in literary works, due to some purposes. However, for some necessary and unnecessary reasons, it can also be found in daily written conversation.

Objective

The main objective of this particular research is to determine and define types of linguistic deviations that are most commonly used in the selected corpus. This is done by looking at several posts and statuses on the corpus itself which is Facebook, and analyze the use of different linguistic deviations throughout all samplings.

Sampling

The sample that is used in this research is various statuses and posts on Facebook, which is the main corpus in conducting the research. For this study, the selected statuses are by two males and two females (to avoid gender influence), and all are from 20 to 40 years old.

Methodology

In this case, the methodology or instrument that is used for the data analysis is by grouping different words found in the corpus into different linguistic deviation aspects according to its categories. The words are then analysed and explained with the use of various types of language deviation.

Framework of Analysis

In order to identify the various types of linguistic deviation in the corpus, G.N. Leech’s classification of linguistic deviation in A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry is used as a reference. G.N. Leech distinguishes the three main language levels; Realization, Form and Semantics. Realization is realized by Phonology and Graphology, and Form comprises Grammar and Lexicon, and Semantics is Meaning. Apart from that, an analysis of this linguistic aspect in Oliver Twist by Masanori Miyata is also used as a guideline. Masanori basically deals with six different types of linguistic deviation, which are 1) Phonological Deviation, 2) Graphological Deviation, 3) Lexical Deviation, 4) Grammatical Deviation, 5) Semantic Deviation and 6) Deviation of Register.

Summary of analysis

Based on the analysis, it is found that the most common types of linguistic deviation used in written conversation are Syntactic and Graphological Deviation. These two then can be identified in different variations such as Capitalization, Redundancy, Sentence Sense, Malformed Sentences, Missing Letters, Misspelled Words, Hyphen and Wrong Punctuations.

In literary works, it is understood that linguistic deviations are used by writers to show creativity or even stylistic in their works. This may be related and connected to the use of Foregrounding and Parallelism. E.E. Cummings is among the writers and poets who occasionally include any types of linguistic deviation in their works. Besides, it is also due to a claim which says that writers do have freedom not only in word choice but also in shapes. On the other hand, it is believed that the use of linguistic deviation in online written conversation is not mainly for the purpose of creativity but for other relevant, necessary purposes; such as to make ease of the writers in terms of time consumption, etc. These days, internet is accessible even via mobile phone. Hence, it would be difficult for the user to be accurate in observing the linguistic aspect in his/her word and sentence formation. However, it is still more encouraged and appropriate to abide by the proper linguistic components as not everyone might get the message well. For instance, because of a tiny mistake in a word or a sentence, serious misunderstanding may occur between the people who take part in the conversation. For instance, a sentence created with wrong tense will leave different meaning to its readers’ understanding. Besides that, there are still people who commit linguistic deviation for the purpose of being creative; just like most writers of literary works. For instance, Facebook user C posted a status in her Facebook wall, saying that “...hari rabu cuty” (this Wednesday is a holiday). The correct spelling for ‘cuty’ is ‘cuti’ but she made it that way to show creativity in changing the alphabet with similar pronunciation. Though the spelling is changed, the meaning is still conveyed since its pronunciation remained correct. Apart from that, it is claimed that linguistic deviation in written conversation also functions as humour and play to explore boundaries among the people involved. As an example, there is one person who responded to Facebook user C’s status by saying ‘orak opo opo lah’ (there is nothing). The sentence is actually in Javanese language. It is apparent that his intention is just to be humorous since Facebook user C did not have any idea about what he talked about. Other than these, linguistic deviation is used by some people due to their own ignorance. They just write anyhow they wish, for their own good and satisfaction, without considering people’s understanding and perception. For instance, the spelling of ‘burday’ instead of ‘birthday’ by Facebook user D. Some readers might not get the correct understanding but obviously it does not seem as if she wanted to reach people’s understanding but instead, just for her fun in posting. Besides these examples, other examples of these purposes of linguistic deviation can slightly be observed in the corpus.

Conclusion

Syntactic and Graphological Deviation are the most common ones used in online written conversation. Just like the ones found in linguistic convention on poetry, it is a very important thing to know and understand by those who concern so that the message conveyed would not be wronged. This is also important to avoid misunderstanding among the people involved in the conversation.

Reflections
We found some challenges in the following scenarios: