Linguistic Innovations and Interactional Features in Japanese BBS Communication

Abstract

This chapter explores the linguistic and interactional properties of informal asynchronous CMC in Japanese, using Bulletin Board System (BBS) messages sent to fan sites as the primary source of data. First, innovations in Japanese orthography are examined, including creative uses of the kanji, hiragana, and katakana Japanese writing systems, as well as other scripts and punctuation symbols. Taking advantage of word-processing technology and at the same time restricted by it, young Japanese BBS users attempt to recreate speech-like qualities in online text-based communication. The incorporation of spoken styles in messages and informal spoken features such as sentence-final particles are then examined. BBS users are found to employ colloquial language online as if conversing offline and to interact politely and appropriately with fellow members of the online community.