This study investigates the language used in chat-groups taken from '2-channel', the largest bulletin board system in Japan. In particular, by examining the discourse structure of each posting and the sequences of interaction by participants, it demonstrates how participants in the chat-groups choose between formal (desu/masu) and direct, abrupt styles and how politeness is archived in chat language.
The data shows that writers in chat-groups choose their styles based on preference: some writers use the formal style only, while others use abrupt styles. When they mix styles, it is to signal if the message is listener-oriented or self-oriented, as discussed in the previous studies by Maynard (1991, 2001), Makino(1983, 2002), Ikuta (1983), and Cook (1996). Marked use of abrupt style functions as a device to express the speaker's personal voice and the voices of others which the writer plays in order to deliver his or her message effectively. On the other hand, the use of formal style mixed with predominantly abrupt style marks the message as listener-oriented. The formal style also functions as a tool to directly address other participants outside the main message and to express one's opinion or situations humbly, and as a strategy to avoid 'flaming' between participants.
It has been found that participants in the chat groups manipulate the politeness level of their messages by creating 'in-group' expressions and by using quasi-formal style, thus constantly adjusting formality and casualness of their messages. It is caused by the fact that participants find it difficult to keep face for oneself and for others by written texts only. The unconventional writing style used in my data creates more dynamic, vivid realization of their message, at the same time facilitating in-group solidarity among participants.