E-discourse Phenomenon in Electronically Mediated Communication (EMC): Is It a Threat to English Learning?

Abstract

With the rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the way people communicate to each other has been progressively driven into online situations, especially in social media platforms. This paper gives an overview of e-discourse and explanation on whether the online language is a threat for English learning based on the reviews of related literature and current data. It also presents the features of e-discourse and the reasons behind the rapid growth of the online language to give a clearer picture of e-discourse in online communications nowadays. Suggestions on how to respond to the expansion of e-discourse and its penetration to the use of English by learners are also discussed. The paper comes to the conclusion that by having a refined understanding of e-discourse, this online language is not a threat for English learning. Rather, electronic discourse should be seen as an English variety used specifically in the electronically-mediated communication (EMC). As for countering the penetration impact of e-discourse to the learners’ use of English, having language awareness is important for the learners as the participants within the communication border. To achieve this, the specific strategy suggested in this paper is by introducing and engaging students, as the e-discourse (potential) users, with the electronic language and netiquette through reactive and proactive approaches.