Does contemporary computer-mediated epistolary communication need pedagogical interventions: The case of a student-teacher relationship

Abstract

The vast majority of messages we exchange on a daily basis is digital in its nature, and it could be said that computer-mediated communication has become common in all spheres of human endeavour. Despite the fact that CMC is an omnipresent phenomenon, it is usually the case that the choices regarding the language patterns to be used are made on our own; namely, it seems that there is no precise writing etiquette to be followed. This aim of this paper is to analyse the nature of computer-mediated communication performed in an academic environment. Using a language corpus composed of authentic email requests, sent by university students (Serbian native speakers) to a faculty staff member, in a time frame encompassing a few semesters, the language formulae used in email openings and closings and the orientation of the posed requestive head acts have been examined. The results of the analysis have shown that hearer orientation is dominantly employed in the requests and that the choices with regard to salutations and complimentary closings are rather inconsistent. Finally, the study answers questions regarding the appropriateness of such e-communication patterns; it also sheds some light on the role of educators and/or educational institutions in communication processes of this kind and their forms.

Keywords

• computer-mediated communication
• students
• requests
• power asymmetry
• Serbian language