Language Online: Investigating Digital Texts and Practices

Carmen Lee · David Barton

Apr 2013 · Routledge

About this ebook

In Language Online, David Barton and Carmen Lee investigate the impact of the online world on the study of language.

The effects of language use in the digital world can be seen in every aspect of language study, and new ways of researching the field are needed. In this book the authors look at language online from a variety of perspectives, providing a solid theoretical grounding, an outline of key concepts, and practical guidance on doing research.

Chapters cover topical issues including the relation between online language and multilingualism, identity, education and multimodality, then conclude by looking at how to carry out research into online language use. Throughout the book many examples are given, from a variety of digital platforms, and a number of different languages, including Chinese and English.

Written in a clear and accessible style, this is a vital read for anyone new to studying online language and an essential textbook for undergraduates and postgraduates working in the areas of new media, literacy and multimodality within language and linguistics courses.

About the author

David Barton is Professor of Language and Literacy in the Department of Linguistics at Lancaster University and Director of the Lancaster Literacy Research Centre.

Carmen Lee is Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Chinese University of Hong Kong.