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Comparing the Characteristics of Text-Speak Used by English and Japanese Students

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  • Jean Underwood

    (Nottingham Trent University, UK)

  • Taiichiro Okubayashi

    (Osaka University, Japan)

Abstract

Text messaging is pervasive among the youth of many cultures, but the extent and nature of text-speak, the modified host language, is open to question. This study of English and Japanese undergraduates specifically investigated whether text-speak is a product of the technological constraints on the host language or is influenced by gender differences in communication style. The study had a between-subjects factorial design with two independent variables: language (English, Japanese) and gender (male, female). The dependent variable was frequency and type of text modification. The results show both a qualitative and quantitative difference in texting between the two groups with English texters being more active. However, English and Japanese females made more adaptations to the host-language than their within-culture male peers, even though the structure of the two host languages was very different. The greater use of abbreviations by females compared to males might be explained either by a higher engagement with this mode of communication or diverging goals between the sexes when texting.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean Underwood & Taiichiro Okubayashi, 2011. "Comparing the Characteristics of Text-Speak Used by English and Japanese Students," International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning (IJCBPL), IGI Global, vol. 1(2), pages 45-57, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:igg:jcbpl0:v:1:y:2011:i:2:p:45-57
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