The offline presence of internet languages is becoming increasingly intertwined with their online
counterparts. People's real-world experiences are closely connected to their online language
usage, with online language traits gradually seeping into offline interactions. The book highlights
how individuals blend online and offline resources in their daily routines and how online
language practices have become integrated into traditional social behaviors. The use of
technology and the incorporation of online communication elements like "textese" or Netspeak
into offline contexts demonstrate the merging of online and offline communication boundaries.
The growing prevalence of internet language in public settings reflects a broader acceptance of
these linguistic forms. This phenomenon, known as enregistration, refers to the transformation of
a language repertoire into a socially sanctioned register of expressions. Despite media portrayals
labeling internet lingo as "textspeak" or "chatspeak," research suggests that elements of it are
gradually being normalized. Internet slang terms such as LOL and BFF have transcended online
platforms and are now recognized in mainstream language usage, as evidenced by their inclusion
in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Language is a powerful tool that conveys social meanings and identities, with internet language
increasingly influencing offline contexts. Originally created to overcome text messaging
limitations, SMS abbreviations now hold value beyond mobile systems and reflect modernity,
urban lifestyles, and youth culture. The commercialization of internet language has led to its
widespread adoption offline, further reinforcing social meanings in local contexts. Linguistic
practices in new media have become a unique sociolinguistic object, showcasing diverse
linguistic landscapes.
Literacy practices have evolved over time, including online language practice, which constantly
changes as a result of people's decisions and adopts practices from previous technological
experiences. The way people use language online has evolved, leading to new multilingual
encounters, exploration of multiple identities, and renewal of vernacular practices. As new media
develop, the relationship between writing and reading changes, and people engage in text-
mediated activities and digital scholarship. Technology and language practices evolve, requiring
ongoing research and innovation to understand language online.
