Focus on Text Messages: A Review of Studies in French

Abstract

The study of text messages has given rise to a number of French language research topics. First, databases of natural text messages have been created in multiple Francophone countries in an effort to link the texters' characteristics with the linguistic markers of the text messages. Many studies have focused on textisms (changes in spelling as compared to the traditional written code), creating repertoires of spelling processes and classifying them into typologies. With regard to linguistic aspects, a few studies have analyzed vocabulary and syntax. Sociolinguistic aspects have also been studied, taking into account the relationship among textisms, age, and gender. To address the question of whether text message writing is a threat to spelling, several studies have analyzed the link between text message writing and traditional writing. Finally, a number of studies have focused on the production processes of text message writing. Future studies will need to take into account the dialogical and conversational aspects of text messages.