MARTIAN LANGUAGE

This study examines the use of Martian language on the internet, focusing on the effect of age and gender on peoples 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 peoples 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 peoples 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.