Because Internet

In only a few decades, the internet has transformed how people use informal written language. Linguist Gretchen McCulloch discusses how technology and the need to convey emotion have created novel forms of online expression. McCulloch mindfully considers the historical context of her linguistic practice. Drawing on research, she explains how chat, weird typography, emoji and memes emerged to shape web culture. Whether online lingo baffles you or net-speak is your native tongue, you’ll gain insight into how and why language evolves.

Informal Writing

The internet brought an explosion of informal written language: Email, texts, chats and social media posts. For a linguist, this huge treasure trove of information illuminates how people use language now and how that usage changes over time.