{ "paper_id": "P80-1018", "header": { "generated_with": "S2ORC 1.0.0", "date_generated": "2023-01-19T08:43:13.028699Z" }, "title": "PARALANGUAGE IN COMPUTERMEDIATED COMMUNICATION", "authors": [ { "first": "John", "middle": [], "last": "Carey", "suffix": "", "affiliation": { "laboratory": "", "institution": "New York University", "location": {} }, "email": "" } ], "year": "", "venue": null, "identifiers": {}, "abstract": "This paper reports on some of the components of person to person communication mediated by computer conferencing systems.", "pdf_parse": { "paper_id": "P80-1018", "_pdf_hash": "", "abstract": [ { "text": "This paper reports on some of the components of person to person communication mediated by computer conferencing systems.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "Abstract", "sec_num": null } ], "body_text": [ { "text": "The term paralanguage is used broadly in this report. It includes those vocal features outlined by Trager (1964) as well as the prosodic system of Crystal (1969) . Both are concerned with the investigation of linguistic phenomena which generally fall outside the boundaries of phonology, morphology and lexical analysis. These phenomena are the voice qualities and tones which communicate expressive feelings, indicate the age, health and sex of a speaker, modify the meanings of words, and help to regulate interaction between speakers.", "cite_spans": [ { "start": 99, "end": 112, "text": "Trager (1964)", "ref_id": "BIBREF3" }, { "start": 147, "end": 161, "text": "Crystal (1969)", "ref_id": "BIBREF0" } ], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "Paralanguage becomes an issue in print communication when individuals attempt to transcribe (and analyse) an oral presentation, or write a script which is to be delivered orally.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "In addition, paralinguistlc analysis can be directed towards forms of print which mimic or contain elements of oral co~munlcatlon.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "These include comic strips, novels, graffitti, and computer conferencing (see Crystal and Davy 1969) .", "cite_spans": [ { "start": 78, "end": 100, "text": "Crystal and Davy 1969)", "ref_id": null } ], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "The research reported here is not concerned with a direct comparison between face-to-face and computer mediated communication.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "Such a comparison is useful, e.g. it can help us to understand how one form borrows elements from the other (see section 5.), or aid in the selectldn of the medium which is more appropriate for a given task. However, the intent here is simpler: to isolate some of the paralingulstic features which are present in computer mediated communication and to begin to map the patterning of those features. simple message sending (.electronic mail), task related conferencing, and fun (e.g. Jokes and conferences on popular topics).", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "Bills for usage were paid by the organizations involved, not the individuals themselves. These elements within the frame may affect the style of interaction.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "One concern in frame analysis is to understand differences in a situation which make a difference.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "Clearly, there is a need to investigate conditions not included in this study in order to gain a broader understanding of paralinguistic usage.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "Among the conditions which might make a difference are: the presence of a secretary in the flow of information; usage based upon narrow task communications only; and situations where there is a direct cost to the user.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "i. INTRODUCTION", "sec_num": null }, { "text": "The following elements have been isolated within the transcripts and given a preliminary designation as paralinguistic features.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "FEATURES", "sec_num": "3." }, { "text": "These features include non standard spellings of words which bring attention to sound qualities.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "The spelling may serve to mark a regional accent or an idiosyncratic manner of speech.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "Often, the misspelling involves repetition of a vowel (drawl) or a final consonant (released or held consonant, with final stress).", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "In addition, there are many examples of non standard contractions.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "A single contraction in a message appears to bring attention (stress) to the word.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "A series of contractions in a single message appears to serve as a tempo marker, indicating a quick pace in composing the message.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "/biznls/ /weeeeell/ /breakkk/ 2. THE FRAME", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "Computer conferencing may be described as a frame of social activity in Goffman's terms (1974) .", "cite_spans": [ { "start": 88, "end": 94, "text": "(1974)", "ref_id": null } ], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "The computer conferencing frame is characterized by an exchange of print communication between or among individuals. That is, it may involve person to person or person to group communication.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "The information is typed on a computer terminal, transmitted via a telephone line to a central computer where it is processed and stored until the intended receiver (also using a computer terminal and a telephone llne) enters the system.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "The received information is either printed on paper or displayed on a television screen.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "The exchange can be in real time, if the users are on the system simultaneously and linked together in a common notepad.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "More typically, the exchange is asynchronous with several hours or a few days lapse between sending and receiving.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "In all of the transcripts examined for this study, the composer of the message typed it into the system. Further, the systems were used for many purposes:", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "/y'all/ /Miami Dade Cmt7 Coll Life Lab Pgm/ Figure i. Examples of Vocal Spelling", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "Soma of the spellings shown above can occur through a glitch in the system or an unintended error by the composer of the message.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "Typically, the full context helps the reader to discern if the spelling was intentional.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "VOCAL SPELLING", "sec_num": "3.1." }, { "text": "Often, people use words to describe their \"tone of voice\" in the message.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "This may be inserted as a parenthetical comment within a sentence, in which case it is likely to mark that sentence alone.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "Alternatively, it may be located at the beginning or end of a message.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "In these instances, it often provides a tone for the entire message.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "1. The research was supported by DHEW Grant No. 54-P-71362/2/2-01", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "In addition, vocal segregates (e.g. uh huh, hmmm, yuk yuk) are written commonly within the body of texts.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "/What was decided?", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "I like the idea, but then again, it was mine Oshe said blushingly)./ /Boo, boo Horror of horrors! ti65 DOESN'T seem to cure all the problems involved in transmitting files./ While some users borrow a standard letter format, others treat the page space as a canvass on which they paint wi~h words and letters, or an advertisement layout in which they are free to leave space between words, skip lines, and paragraph each new sentence.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "Some spatial arrays are actual graphics: arrangements of letters to create a picture. Hiltz and Turoff (1978) note the heavy use of graphics at Christmas time, when people send greeting cards through the conferencing system.", "cite_spans": [ { "start": 86, "end": 109, "text": "Hiltz and Turoff (1978)", "ref_id": "BIBREF2" } ], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "Zn day to day messaging, users often leave space between words (indicating pause, or setting off a word or phrase), run words together (quickening of tempo, onomatopoeic effect), skip lines within a paragraph (~o setoff a word, phrase or sentence), and crea~e paragraphs to lend visual support to the entire message or items within it. In addition, many messages contain headlines, as in newspaper writing. ", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "LEXICAL SURROGATES", "sec_num": "3.2." }, { "text": "Gr-,,-m~ical markers such as capitalization, periods, ccnmlaa, quotation marks, and parentheses are manipulated by users to add stress, indicaue pause, modify the tone of a lexlcal item and signal a chan~e of voice by the composer.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "For eY-mple, a user will employ three exclamation marks at the end of a sentence ~o lend incensity to his point. A word in the middle of a sentence (or one sentence in a message) will be capitalized and ~hereby receive stress.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "A series of des! os between syllables of a word can serve to hold the preceding syllable and indicate s~ress upon it or the succeeding syllable.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "Parentheses and quotation marks are used commonly to indicate that the words contained within them are to be heard with a different tone than the rest of the message.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "A series of periods are used to indicate pause, as well as to indicate in~ernal and terminal Junctures.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "For example, in some messages, composers do not use commas. At points where a com-m is appropriate, three periods are employed. At the end of the sentence, several periods (the number can vary from 4 to more than 20) are used. This system indicates to ~he reader hor.h the grammatical boundary and the length of pause between words.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "The Electronic Information and Exchange System employs some of these gr---,-tical marker manipulations in the interface between user and system.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "For example, they instruct a user to respond with question marks when he does not know what to do at a comm\"nd point. One question mark indicates \"I don't understand what EIES wants here,\" and will yield a brief explanation from the system. Two question marks indicate \"I am ver 7 confused\" and yield a longer explanation.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "Three question marks indicate \"I am totally lost\" and put the user in direct touch with the system monitor. ", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MANIPULATION OF GRAMMATICAL MARKERS", "sec_num": "3.4." }, { "text": "The absence of certain features or expected work in composition may also lend a tone to the message. For example, a user may not correct spelling errors or glitches introduced by the system. Similarly, he may pay no attention to paragraphing or capltalization. The absence of such features, particularly if they are clustered together in a single message, can convey a relaxed tone of familiarity with the receiver or quickness of pacing (e.g. when the sender has a lot of work to do and must compose the message quickly).", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "MINUS FEATURES", "sec_num": "3.5." }, { "text": "Ig can be noted, first, that some features mark a short syllabic or polysyllabic segment (e.g. capitalization, contraction, and vocal segregates), while others mark full sentences or the entire message (e.g. a series of exclamation points, letter graphics, or an initial parenthetical coeN\"ent). Second, it is revealing that many of these features have an analogic structure: in some manner, they are llke the tone they represent. For example, a user may employ more or fewer periods, more or fewer question marks ro indicate degrees of pause or degrees of perplexity.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "Paralanguage in everyday conversation is highly analogic and represents feelings, moods and states of health which do not (apparently) lend themselves to the digital structure of words.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "Parallngulstic features in computer conferenclng occur, often, at points of change in a message: change of pace, change of topic, change of ~one.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "In addition, many of the features rely upon a contrastive structure to co---unicate meaning.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "That is, a message which is typed in all caps does not communicate greater intensity or stress.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "Capitalization must occur contrastlvely over one or two words in an othertrlse normal sentence or over one or two sentences in a message which contains some normal capitalization.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "Most paralinguistlc features can have more than one meaning.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "Reviewed in is lation, a feature might indicate a relaxed tone, an intimate relation with the receiver, or simply sloppiness in composition.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "Readers must rely upon the surrounding context (both words and other paralinguistic features) to narrow the range of possible meanings.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "The intended receiver of a message, as well as an outsider who attempts to analyse transcripts, must cope with the interpretation of paralinguistic features. Initially, the reader must distinguish glitches in the system and unintended typing errors from intentional use of repetition, spacing, etc. Subsequently, the reader must examine the immediate context of the feature and compare the usage with similar patterns in the same message, in other messages by the composer, and/or in other messages by the general population of users.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "PATTERNING OF FEATURES", "sec_num": "4." }, { "text": "The findings presented in this study are taken from a limited set of contexts. For this reason, they must be regarded as a first approximation of paralinguistic code structure in computer conferencing. Moreover, the findings do not suggest that a clear code exists for the community of users. Rather, the code appears to be in a stage of development and learning.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "DEVELOPMENT OF A CODE", "sec_num": "5." }, { "text": "The study has helped to define some differences among users which appear to make a difference in the parelinguistic features they employ. In the corpus of transcripts examined, usage varied between new and experienced participants, as well as between infrequent and frequent participants. Generally, experienced and frequent participants employed more paralinguistic features. However, idiosyncratic patterns appear to be more important in determining usage. The findings serve more to define questions for subsequent study than to provide answers about user variations.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "DEVELOPMENT OF A CODE", "sec_num": "5." }, { "text": "In addition, It is clear that the characteristics of the computer terminals (TI 745s, primarily), as well as system characteristics, provided many of the components or \"bricks\" with which paralinguistlc features were constructed. For example, the repeat key on the terminal allowed users to create certain forms of graphics. Also, star keys, dollar signs, colons and other available keys were employed to communicate paralinguistic information. System terms to describe a mode of operation (e.g. notepad, scratchpad, message, conference) may also influence development of a code of usage by suggesting a more formal or informal exchange.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "DEVELOPMENT OF A CODE", "sec_num": "5." }, { "text": "Finally, it may be noted that early in their usage, some participants appeared to borrow formats from other media with which they were familiar (e.g. business letters, telegrams, and telephone conversations). Over time, patterns of usage converged somewhat. However, idiosyncratic variation remained strong.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "DEVELOPMENT OF A CODE", "sec_num": "5." }, { "text": "A few conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, the presence of paralinguistic features in computer conferencing and the effort by users to communicate more information than can be carried by the words themselves, suggest that people feel it is important to be able to communicate tonal and expressive information. Second, it is not easy to communicate this information. Users must work in computer conferencing to communicate information about their feelings and state of health which naturally accompanies speech. While there does not appear to be a unified and identlfiable code of paralinguistic features within conferencing systems or among users of the systems, the collective behavior of participants may be creating one.", "cite_spans": [], "ref_spans": [], "eq_spans": [], "section": "CONCLUSION", "sec_num": "6." } ], "back_matter": [], "bib_entries": { "BIBREF0": { "ref_id": "b0", "title": "Prosodic Systems and Intonation in English", "authors": [ { "first": "David", "middle": [], "last": "Crystal", "suffix": "" } ], "year": 1969, "venue": "", "volume": "", "issue": "", "pages": "", "other_ids": {}, "num": null, "urls": [], "raw_text": "Crystal, David Prosodic Systems and Intonation in English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1969.", "links": null }, "BIBREF2": { "ref_id": "b2", "title": "The Network Nation", "authors": [ { "first": "Starr", "middle": [], "last": "Hiltz", "suffix": "" }, { "first": "", "middle": [], "last": "Roxanne", "suffix": "" }, { "first": "Murray", "middle": [], "last": "Turoff", "suffix": "" } ], "year": 1978, "venue": "", "volume": "", "issue": "", "pages": "", "other_ids": {}, "num": null, "urls": [], "raw_text": "Hiltz, Starr Roxanne and Turoff, Murray The Network Nation. Reading, Massachusetts: Addlson-Wesley 1978.", "links": null }, "BIBREF3": { "ref_id": "b3", "title": "Paralanguage: A First Approximation", "authors": [ { "first": "George", "middle": [], "last": "Trager", "suffix": "" } ], "year": 1964, "venue": "Language in Culture and Society", "volume": "", "issue": "", "pages": "", "other_ids": {}, "num": null, "urls": [], "raw_text": "Trager, George \"Paralanguage: A First Approximation,\" in Dell Hymes (ed.) Language in Culture and Society. New York: Harper and Row 1964.", "links": null } }, "ref_entries": { "FIGREF0": { "type_str": "figure", "num": null, "uris": null, "text": "Examples of Lexlcal Surrogates 3.3. SPATIAL ARRAYS Perhaps the most s~rlklng feature of computer conferencing is the spatial arrangement of words." }, "FIGREF1": { "type_str": "figure", "num": null, "uris": null, "text": "One of our units here Just makes an awfulhowllng noise. / 0OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS/ /$SSSSSS$$$$$SS$$$$S$$$$SSSS$$SSSSS$ When the next bill comes in from EIES/Telanet, you may also be interested/ Figure 3. Examples of Spatlal Arrays" }, "FIGREF2": { "type_str": "figure", "num": null, "uris": null, "text": "Manlpulaclon of Gra~natical Markers" } } } }