Conversational Analysis of Chatroom Talk

PhD Thesis Proposal by Dr. Terrell Neuage, University of South Australia

Thesis Overview

Dr. Terrell Neuage’s PhD thesis, *Conversational Analysis of Chatroom Talk*, submitted to the University of South Australia, explores chatroom discourse as a novel genre of online communication. Initially titled *InternetConstructedTexts*, the thesis investigates how text-based chatrooms, prevalent in the late 1990s, create unique conversational dynamics. Neuage employs an Online Discourse Analysis Method (ODAM) to analyze chatroom interactions, drawing parallels with hypertext, graffiti, and other interactive texts. The study integrates theories like semiotics, discourse analysis, and hypertext to understand the structure and impact of online dialogue. The complete thesis is available at the University of South Australia and the National Library of Australia.

For more about Dr. Neuage’s work, visit his homepage.

Thesis Structure

The thesis is organized into several key sections, with case studies and appendices providing detailed analysis of chatroom interactions. Note that some sections are only available in the published version at the University of South Australia.

  • Abstract: Introduces the research focus and objectives.
  • Introduction: Outlines the scope of chatroom discourse analysis.
  • Methodology: Describes the Online Discourse Analysis Method (ODAM).
  • Literature Review: Surveys existing research on online communication.
  • Case Studies (1-7): Analyzes specific chatroom interactions.
  • Discussion: Interprets findings in the context of communication theories.
  • Conclusion: Summarizes contributions and future directions.
  • Postscript: Reflects on the research process.
  • O*D*A*M: Details the proposed Online Discourse Analysis Method.
  • Bibliography: Lists sources used in the research.
  • Appendices (1-7): Supplementary data and notes.

Theories and Approaches

The thesis draws on a range of theoretical frameworks to analyze chatroom discourse, reflecting its interdisciplinary approach:

  • Bohm Dialogue
  • Corpus Analysis
  • Deconstruction
  • Discourse Analysis
  • Discourse Ethics
  • Feminism
  • Genre Theory
  • Hypertext
  • Immanence
  • Logocentrism
  • Meta Ethics
  • Metaphysics
  • Modernism
  • Polymorphism
  • Post-modernism
  • Post-structuralism
  • Rationalism
  • Semiotics and Linguistics
  • Structuralism

Keywords

The following keywords reflect the thesis’s focus on online communication and literature:

  • Hypertextual Literature
  • Internet Constructed Texts
  • World Wide Web
  • E-mail
  • Newsgroups
  • MUDs
  • Chat Rooms
  • Literature
  • Communication
  • Multimedia
  • Hypertext
  • Hypermedia
  • Dialogue
  • Discourse
  • Discussion Groups
  • MOOs
  • Semiotics
  • Intertextuality
  • Internet2