The Similarities and Differences between sms, email and chat.
SMS, email and chat are modes of communication in the digital era. They have their own similarities and differences in terms of language. First of all SMS is short for Short Messaging System. Mode of communication uses a cell phone. Text are based on short messages sent via a network. Emails on the other hand are electronic mails sent via the internet, it is a form of asynchronous messages whereby the mails are read and replied at a delayed time. Chats are a form of synchronous messaging in which messages are sent and received in real time. The similarities between these three forms of communication are colloquial, code switching and simplicity. The differences are formality, asynchronous/synchronous and .
Lets look at the first similarity between these three modes of communication which is simplicity. Frankly anyone from any walk of life can use the three communications methods to keep in touch. However, the younger generation is capable of catching up with the times and are more technology savvy than the older generation. Using email is a more popular short version of a letter used by the older and younger people to communicate for business or pleasure. When it comes to chat and sms' the younger people hold top reign as they have nimble fingers to type astonishingly fast and surprisingly accurate. Sms is a convenient way to send simple and short messages in an instant to people in order to stay connected hence why its the most simple mode of communication.
Another similarity is the colloquial use of language. Younger people especially teenagers have somewhat invented a new form of 'language' if that's what we can call it by shortening words to form short hand in order to make messaging simple. For an example 'ttyl', 'brb' and 'lol' are short form of full words which actually stand for 'talk to you later', 'be right back' and 'laugh out loud'. These short forms are usually used in chat and sms'. This makes the communication process faster and simpler.
The next similarity is code switching. The language used in emails, chat and sms are not entirely in English. Sometimes people tend to mix the language especially in Malaysia. The manglish language is used profusely throughout the internet and even in day to day speaking. This transforms into writing and thus you get mixed languages when you are reading. For an example in a message 'u n i nak gi makan' the language mixes english and malay and also it uses short forms.
The first difference is formality. In emails, the language is more formal compared to chats and sms. It's more longer with a more proper usage of English that also has a signature at the bottom. In sms and chats, the language is informal because it is sent to close acquaintances and they are not the kind to be particular about language. Besides that sms' are very short and people try to utilize the characters and minimise the length of messages sent by shortening everything thus it makes the language informal.
The next difference is the asynchronous and synchronous form. Emails are asynchronous because it is conducted on delayed time. Replies are not instantaneous. Whereas chats and sms are synchronous because it is done in real time. Messages are sent and received instantaneously. People can have a conversation via the internet and also through the handphone without having to speak.
In conclusion, there are evident similarities and differences between emails, chats and sms. Yet, they are still the most awesome form of communication. thank you!
