The language styles used by bloggers in the blogosphere

ABSTRACT

Allah S.W.T said in the Holly Qur’an on surah Ar- Ruum and verse 22nd that the constancy of the language differences is the variation of language characterizing a society. Language style is a part of Sociolinguistic study that concerns with a variation of language created by one’s perception of the situation in which he is speaking. It shows the gradation of formality. Nowadays, blogosphere becomes the social phenomenon in cyberspace, it is the collective term that refers to the world or community of blogs and bloggers. Based on the background, the research about the language styles and registers used by bloggers in the blogosphere is conducted with the following problem: (1) how are the language styles used by bloggers in the blogosphere?

This research is conducted by using descriptive qualitative method based on Gleason’s theory of language style. The data are in the form of utterances selected from responses used by bloggers of Global Voices Online on the education category in the Blogosphere from February to August, 2006.

The data analysis reveals some findings covering the formulated research questions. First, the language styles which are used by bloggers can be classified into six styles or keys. They are: (1) consultative key which is used when the responses are brief, clear and have expressive funtion. Mostly the blogger used this key in order to express their gratitudes. (2) casual key which is used when the responses are simple, natural and have a phatic function. Mostly the blogger used this key in order to express their mutual interests. (3) deliberative key which is used when the responses are formal, framed well, and have integratif function. Mostly the blogger used this key in order to express their regards. (4) oratorical key which is used when the responses are explicit, directive and have referential function. Mostly the blogger used this key in order to advice or influence other bloggers. (5) intimate key which is used when the responses are softly and have a poetic function. Mostly the blogger used this key to express their affectionate. (6) direction key which is used when the responses are concise, obscure, and have informative function. Mostly the blogger used this key to give an information about the content of their blogs. The last key is proposed by the researcher.

Based on those findings, it is recommended for the next researchers to conduct research in the blogosphere on the Sie blog but in different category since there are 39 categories listed in this blog. In addition, Austin theory of Speech acts and also Cheer and Agustina’s theory of language register are also suggested to be used in conducting the research.