From print to web 2.0: The changing face of discourse for special purposes

Abstract

This report addresses the recent changes induced in professional discourse genres as they migrate from traditional print media to the Web 2.0 platform on the Internet. After a brief characterization of the specificities and affordances of the Web 2.0 environment, a selected number of themes that are currently being researched are outlined, namely: the reshaping of existing discourse genres and a rethinking of genre theory; the implications of collaborative authoring; the impact of narrative elements on professional discourse; the personalization and informality of Web-mediated communication.  Some of the challenges that these developments pose to discourse for special purposes are highlighted.