Genesis and evolution of an email sibling code

This dissertation explores the effect of email on communication. The data from the study are primarily the email exchanges of two siblings over a four-month period. The data show that a family private language, developed over several years, evolved rapidly and abruptly only when applied to the email medium. Changes were notable in all areas of structure: phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. It was found that the email environment provided the necessary conditions for the code to develop: email, as a hybrid of oral and written communication, has certain technological features and psychological effects that were able to promote and foster the rapid further development of this newly emerged sibling code.