The development of text messaging in cell phones has influenced punctuation variations in written language. In order to determine how text messaging has resulted in paradigm shift in the traditional uses of punctuatio...The development of text messaging in cell phones has influenced punctuation variations in written language. In order to determine how text messaging has resulted in paradigm shift in the traditional uses of punctuation marks, this paper explores how punctuation marks vary with language, location, register and time, and how they are constantly evolving. The discussion in this paper is structured around Coupland＇s sociolinguistic theory. The findings reveal that new technology has impacted on the traditional uses of punctuation marks. Thus, the results show that the use of punctuation markers in Short Message Service （SMS） texts is complex. Moreover, the use of punctuation marks in Kenyan text messages reveals personal stylistic choices. However, it is apparent that Kenyan text messages are shaped by social variables.展开更多
文摘The development of text messaging in cell phones has influenced punctuation variations in written language. In order to determine how text messaging has resulted in paradigm shift in the traditional uses of punctuation marks, this paper explores how punctuation marks vary with language, location, register and time, and how they are constantly evolving. The discussion in this paper is structured around Coupland＇s sociolinguistic theory. The findings reveal that new technology has impacted on the traditional uses of punctuation marks. Thus, the results show that the use of punctuation markers in Short Message Service （SMS） texts is complex. Moreover, the use of punctuation marks in Kenyan text messages reveals personal stylistic choices. However, it is apparent that Kenyan text messages are shaped by social variables.
