Computer-Mediated Communication in Malaysia

Abstract

In this study, the features of netspeak (acronyms, abbreviations, emoticons, etc.) and its impact on language are discussed. The way Malaysian English is used and represented will be analysed based on samples collected. Hereafter, using a sociolinguistic approach, the link between netspeak, Malaysian English and the construction of identity is examined.

Data comprising e-mails, blogs, chats or instant messages (IM), text messages, and tweets are collected. The data include subjects from West and East Malaysia of different ethnicities (Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc.), genders and age groups (from age 13 and over). The variation in the type of data and subjects studied may offer different findings in terms of how language is utilised to establish identity.

It is hoped that this study may yield greater understanding of the use of English in online communication especially in Malaysia as well as the role of language and online communication in constructing (local) identity.