Dynamics of Polyphony in Social Classification: An Exploration of an Anatomy of Digital Linguistic Practice

Abstract

As the information technologies grows and the digital online spaces become increasingly popular places for social interaction, we are confronted with new forms of sociality, practice, and knowledge organization that defy traditional distinctions between document, text, speech, language, and practice. This paper presents a study of use and practices of a social classification system, del.icio.us, through an overall theoretical approach that draws from the disciplines of linguistic anthropology, a sociology of interaction, speech act theory, and literary theory. From the ensemble of these approaches, this pilot study tentatively identifies an anatomy of social classification practices based on speech genres of monologue and dialogue. The use of a linguistic practice approach for the study of online classificatory practices is informed by the recognition of convergence among documents, text, language, and practice. The field of linguistic anthropology has long made the argument that language both produces and reflects social action. In turn, language is thus a reflection and enactment of action. Language and action are fundamentally intertwined and mutually constitutive. This idea is essential in digital environments where action is solely evidenced through textual forms of communication on-screen.