Often the speakers are far
apart, which could lead to
them describing the scene
around them to the other
person
On older phones, the text
might be shorter as they are
harder to type, however
with full keyboards and
predictive text it is quicker
to write longer texts
How is it
interactive and
dynamic?
Often conversations will
be started by one of the
speakers
texting/messaging a short
intro text (hey, hi) or with
a question (phatic or
transactional)
Speakers will often take a turn
each in texting, with each
person sending one text before
waiting for a reply. Online
group messaging is often done
over a long period of time thus
meaning that there will be long
gaps, with no conversational
order
When on a
mobile, replies are
either really late
or really quick, as
it can be done at
anytime
How are human
voice and body
present?
Accents can be
shown by spelling
words phonetically,
as they would be
said
Emoticons can be used to
express gestures or to
show emotions felt by
speakers. They can be
used instead of sentences
or words
Punctuation is also important
to show emphasis and the
tone of voice when using
devices. CAPITAL letters are
emphasised and exclaimation
marks! are used to exclaim
etc.
What images of
identity or self
are the speakers
projecting?
Speakers will use their
sociolect to talk and may
change spellings to fit that
dialect. They may also
impersonate different
sociolects for sarcasm