Martian Language

by Feng-Yuh Lee

This study examines the use of Martian language on
the internet, focusing on the effect of age and
gender on people's performance of Martian language as
well as the social functions of Martian language. The
results show that: 1) Age, as a social factor, has
more effect on people's use of Martian language
compared with gender. The use of Martian language by
both male and female subjects declined as their age
increased. 2) Topic type is another important factor
to determine people's use of Martian language on
blogs. In this study, more Martian languages were
found in the ACG and Students blogs. As expected,
there were much fewer Martian languages in the
Finance and Politics blogs. This result suggests
Martian language is used as a low domain code choice,
which is especially exercised in a less formal and
serious contexts. 3) Martian language is not only
used as a communicative tool for time efficiency and
image-building, but also serves some social functions
for people to construct in-group solidarity, build
friendship, and express local or international
identities.