Derrick Chu
23108014
Moore, I.
Writing 139W
AB
Steinkuehler, Constance. “Massively Multiplayer Online Gaming as a Constellation of Literacy
Practices.” E-Learning Vol. 4 (November 3, 2007): 297-318. Web. 3-10-10.
<http://www.wwwords.co.uk/pdf/validate.asp?j=elea&vol=4&issue=3&year=2007&article=8_St
einkuehler_ELEA_4_3_web>
In this paper, Steinkuehler engages in a case study of MMOs (Lineage II) to disprove the notion
that games, specifically MMOs, are ruining literacy; in fact, she argues that engaging in the is
itself a literary practice. Steinkuehler cites in-game evidence, such as social interaction and
following game mechanics, as well as beyond the game itself, such as online gaming forums, fan
sites, and fan fiction. The author aims to set up an argument against the notion that video games
mindless and destroying american society. Sociolinguists, anthropologists, and general antiinternet literacy advocates are the target audience.
Crystal, David. “Keypad Shorthand.” E Magazine. Vol. 11 (2001): 26-27. Web. 3-9-10.
<http://www.davidcrystal.com/DC_articles/Internet5.pdf>
In this article, David Crystal argues that the short-hand , digital form of communication (e.g.
texting) has become both a new form of language as well as a new medium of communication.
Due to the low availability of space in the digital form, Crystal cites the necessity for
abbreviations, vowel drops, and acronyms is due to both economical reasons as well as a limit on
space. Crystal aims to prove that texting is not a bastardization of language; instead, it is
evolving to suit the medium. Linguists and sociolinguists should be the target audience for this
article.
Birkerts, Sven. “The Gutenberg Elegies: The Fate of Reading in an Electronic Age.” London: Faber and
Faber, 1994. Select readings. Web. 3-13-10
<http://archives.obs-us.com/obs/english/books/nn/bdbirk.htm#into>
Sven Birkerts argues that internet use is ruining the state of reading written text with the influx of digital,
rewritable material. Birkerts cites language erosion via “linguistic prefab” as an inevitable consequence
of internet use, as well as the flattening of historical perspectives and the “waning of the private self” as
evidence of the deterioration of language via the internet. Birkerts brings attention to the fact that
anything new is going to destroy what is old; in this case, the conventions of language via
communication mediums. Anti-internet advocates and sociolinguists should find this book a compelling
read.