After reading Gerrand, I realized that the English language pretty much ruled the internet sky. Of course before the readings I had assumed that the English language had alot on the internet, but I have this fear of being a stereotypical English speaker and believing that us English speakers rule the world.
As Baym introduced chapter 3 with face to face, over the phone, and finally internet communication- I found myself agreeing with pretty much every piece of information regarding the general preference for facial and audio recognition for "verbal and non verbal cues" over the internets lack thereof. When reading up on social cues, flaming, and the "antagonist", I couldn't help but randomly laugh extraordinarily loud due to the excerpt from the Star Trek forum. I have heard rumors of how some people on the internet can rip you apart, but this was beautiful-A great way to explain a flame war.
The only real experience I have had with non-English language on the internet was from
A. playing yahoo chess from someone in mexico (spanish speaking only sometimes)
or
B. when I clicked on the wrong tab for a website and I get a french version or something.
Honestly, I don't see these things as issues, just language barriers that the world has from being just that, a world. Unless the entire planet agrees on a universal language (go english!), I think we will be just fine by doing what we have been doing for decades.
I agree with the first part of your blog. English is a powerful method of speaking and writing of this world. However, I do believe there are changes that neeeds to be made.
ReplyDeleteSome english speaking is terrible, whereas it appears to be linked to people that don't believe that it is important to use it correctly.
But, I do follow you on supporting English as a barrier to create a foundation for our youth that will lead us someday!
"verbal and non verbal cues" over the internets lack thereof
ReplyDeleteSometimes I reread things two or three times trying to figure out the 'tone' of the post.