This paper argues that Net communication is neither oral nor
written, but semiotic. In order to support this claim, the article
seeks to define and apply the ideas of abductive reasoning and the
concept of multiloguing as a way to understand the semiotic
nature of Net communication. Implications of Net communication
are explored from this perspective. In addition, the article lists
the most explicitly semiotic discussion lists and describes each
briefly. Finally, the paper argues that a conscious understanding
of abductive multiloguing will help us both navigate the Net and
evolve a style of scholarship appropriate for the medium.

Reaction/ Response paper by Melda N. Yildiz
 
 

Abductive Multiloguing The Semiotic Dynamics of Navigating the Net By Gary Shank

Gary Shank argues that Internet communication is neither oral, nor written, but semiotic. In the article, the concept of Abductive Multiloguing (AM) is introduced to understand the semiotic nature of the Internet Communication.

Nowadays, the IC is becoming oral, written and semiotic. Internet is a great source for semioticians. It is full of signs. With the new technologies, IC is changing the way we communicate. Today's scholars depend on these new tools to be able to research, communicate, and share the information.

The article has two main parts.

1. the use of semiotic theory to enhance our understanding of the Net (I will response to this part of the article.)
2. documenting scholarly activity about semiotics on the Net

First, I would like to change to word Net to Internet. Because Net may imply network but in this article it means Internet. Since I do not know when the article is written (possibly 2-3 years old), I assume the author refers to e-mail and chat while using Internet Communication.

Today, Internet Communication (IC) includes E-mail, Chat, Video conferencing, and Listservs. IC is capable of sending and receiving not only written text, but also animation, sound, video, and graphics. There are some graphic programs (I do not remember the name) allow people to draw pictures and graphics as well as text during a simultaneous conversation on the Internet.

According to the author, IC is not oral but written like conversation. However, people use internet to make free phone calls on the internet, and use video cameras to send images instantly. That's why I believe IC has a potential to carry the information orally.

Gary Shank says "Messages are written instead of spoken." It is true only on a plain e-mail message which includes a written form primarily, may also have some non-verbal clues, gestures such as J . However, now we can attach files and send images, video, graphics, and sound.

Syllogism:

Deductive ____ Inductive ____ Abductive (Pierce, 1956)
 

"Abduction is the basic logic of reasoning to a hypothetical meaning." (Shank) Abduction helps us to understand the experience as a meaningful case of some hypothetical rule or principle. "[Inter]net is abductive in nature" (Shank) because
 

1. Usually postings on the Internet either to give information or to request one.
2. Discussions directed toward the implications of ideas. They end with a meaning claim.
3. The postings are hypothetical in nature since there is no authority to verify the information given. If we ask a question in a listserv we subscribe, we abduct what we want depending on the information. We do not ask for credential.
4. We share not only data but worldviews. When we look for an information, we find not only facts but opinions or perspectives as well as scholarly discussions.
5. It creates its own metaphors. "Cyberspace exists in a field of mixed metaphors, of spiders and webs, virtual cows MOOing, flames without fires, and cyberjockeys 'jacked into the matrix' " (Gibson, Neuromancer).

Internet provides a unique form of communication. It is a medium requires a new name. Shank calls this perspective "abductive multiloguing".
 
 

Difference between discussion and	multilogue (Internet communication).
Discussion involves people in the same realm. (scholars discuss with scholars)	Multilogue is open to everybody in the world. Discussions are inclusive rather than exclusive. It is interdisciplinary. It creates a multicultural atmosphere. It includes people with varying education, culture, interest, world experience….
Discussion continues among the group who discussed the issue.	The tread on the internet grows exponentially.
Discussion is primarily in the oral	Multilogue both oral, written, and semiotic
It is primarily instant especially in a class discussion.	The communication may be instant, but the sender may choose to respond later. It may be simultaneous or may have parallel sets of discussion.
It is not usually archived, filed electronically. It cannot be searched.	It can be archived, filed electronically, and searched easily.
It usually has a leader.	It provides an egalitarian atmosphere, does not require a leader to control the discussion.
In discussions, time is limited. People will end the discussion although there are some who have something to say.	Everybody has equal access, time, and change to respond.

 

Abductive researcher:
 

1. Less experimenter more detective
2. Hunter-gatherer
3. Gather information
4. Work outside of strict theoretical boundaries
5. Open to world of experience

 

Jacobson's communication model (1957)                       message sender __________ receiver                    medium monologue: (i.e.: lecture)  one sender ________one or more receiver   dialogue: (dyadic oral communication) sender __________ receiver discussion: (i.e.: class discussion one starts the discussion and others respond and take turns) one sender starts______ multiple receivers

Shank's model of sign communication multilogue: (Internet)  written quasi-discussion                      tread starter ____________multiple receiver (initial sender)               ________ multiple receiver                          ______________                                   multiple receiver                                       …………. The tread expands. Starter is not in control as soon as he/she posts the message on the internet. Receiver adds, edits, corrects, challenges, and extends the message.