The concept of space in electronic discourse and its role in the construction of interpersonal relations
Keywords:
chat, electronic discourse, virtual space, face, politeness
Abstract
This paper is concerned with computer-mediated communication in French chat rooms. It focuses on mechanisms of relational work used in chat conversations. How do speaker and hearer construct interpersonal relations in anonymous, purely textual conversations, without any physical contact? This question is discussed within the framework of politeness theory (Brown & Levinson 1978, 1987), and through an examination of the concept of space as it appears in electronic discourse. It turns out that virtual and fictitious spaces play an important role in the construction of interpersonal relations, which are analyzed in terms of positive politeness strategies in this paper.Downloads
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Published
2013-04-19
How to Cite
Thaler V. (2013). The concept of space in electronic discourse and its role in the construction of interpersonal relations. Thélème. Revista Complutense de Estudios Franceses, 28, 259-276. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_THEL.2013.v28.41841
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