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A funny and fascinating examination of the evolution of language in the digital age.
- Publishers Weekly “Because Internet is a rare gem: a groundbreaking scholarly study that's also approachable, personable, and funny. McCulloch guides the reader through the seeming disorder of internet-influenced communications and deftly contextualizes all of it: memes and gifs, emoji and emoticons, weird punctuation and no punctuation. Her enthusiasm for language is matched by her command over the subject; if you're worried that the internet has killed language, McCulloch's extensive examination will convince you otherwise. Because Internet is an absolute unit: a unique linguistic study, a history of the internet, a how-to, and an encouragement that the omgs and cat pictures have only brought us closer together.
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Because Internet is the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to the way informal internet language has evolved and is evolving. Its historical perspective will illuminate every generation of internet users: oldies will get a clear picture of what young people are up to; younglings will discover the origins of their latest linguistic fashions. Gretchen McCulloch writes with great common sense, an eye for the apt illustration, an appealing sense of humour, and a real concern for explanation. She doesn't just describe language trends: she investigates why they've taken place, and it's her insightful interpretations that give this book its special appeal.
- David Crystal, author of Shakespeare’s Words and How Language Works “Because Internet is a joyful exploration of the newest creative upswell of English—if you want to understand why you love emoji, share memes, and don't make a sound when lol-ing, you need this book!
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Gretchen McCulloch has pulled off the feat of answering every question anyone today of any age has about how the internet has transformed the way we use language every day. Just try putting this book down.
- John McWhorter, author of Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue and Words on the Move
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Gretchen McCulloch is the internet’s favorite linguist, and this book is essential reading. Reading her work is like suddenly being able to see the matrix. She explains the hows and the whys of the ways we talk online with the deepest empathy, understanding, and compassion.
- Jonny Sun, author of everyone's a aliebn when ur a aliebn too
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Sometimes it seems like the internet is a seething brew of ugliness and misery. So it's nice to remember that, as well as the lawless drudgery, there are complex human systems that, intentional or not, create something totally new. Internet linguist (damn!) Gretchen McCulloch explores the ever-changing language of online.
- Elle, “30 Best Books to Read this Summer”
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McCulloch lays out the ways in which online lingo, from emojis to GIFs to acronyms like "lol" and "omg," has become a vital part of modern communication. It's also an analog window into how the evolution of digital communication mirrors the shifts in word usage that have happened over generations.
- Wired, “Must-Read Books of Summer”
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English's great strength is its informality and the internet has created a golden age for studying this flexibility: McCulloch's lively and delightful survey of these new findings is a must for anyone who loves language in all its expressive forms.
- Cory Doctorow