Speech Behavior and Multimodality in Online Communication among Teenagers

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of online interactions among teenagers. The development of online communication is an important factor in the process of formation and reproduction of new social ties and relationships. Continuous online communication is becoming an important feature of everyday life. Online communication affects communication in general, developing its new requirements and standards. The polymetodic research consists of a questionnaire survey method and a content analysis method. The questionnaire was conducted among 50 teenagers aged 13-15, studying in schools of Ekaterinburg and regularly using the Internet to communicate with peers. A content analysis of online dialogs (n = 40) presented by the survey participants was also conducted. The research data proclaims social networks to be the most efficient tool of communication among modern teenagers. The most popular one is Vkontakte, which is used to chat and learn modern vocabulary. The daily routine, including the learning process, is the main topic of communication. Teenagers hardly change their speech behavior, since online and offline communication occurs mainly in the same reference groups. Teenagers also use audio-visual materials, emojis, stickers, etc., to complete their messages and express their emotional state. Keywords: online communication, teenagers, speech behavior, multimodality