This multidimensional study focuses on computer chat, i.e. synchronous and supersynchronous computer-mediated communication, here termed «conversational writing». It employs Douglas Biber’s methodology to compare systematically computer chat to speech and writing, and situates two genres of computer chat on Biber’s dimensions of linguistic variation.

Ewa Jonsson is a researcher in English linguistics at Mid-Sweden University.

Contents: Creating and annotating corpora of CMC – Internet relay chat – ICQ – UCOW – Salient features in conversational writing – Social media analysis – Orality – Synchronicity of communication – Paralinguistic features and extra-linguistic content – A systemic-functional approach to computer chat.