JOURNAL ARTICLE

To communicate is to make communicate: Interaction and ventriloquation in an instant messaging service.

  • Published In: Language & Dialogue, 2026, v. 16, n. 1. P. 74 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Cooren, François; Dupuis, Jacinthe 3 of 3

Abstract

What happens when people interact through the exchange of texts in messaging software applications? Through these applications, people exchange messages that present them as doing certain things: informing, asking something, reassuring, joking, etc. These messages therefore act on people's behalf. To account for this reality, we need to develop a theory of communication that allows us to analyze the phenomenon by which what we say or write speaks or do things on our behalf. We propose a ventriloquial approach to communication, that highlights that all communication is an act of delegation by which various signs express themselves on our behalf or the behalf of what we also represent and make present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Language & Dialogue. 2026/01, Vol. 16, Issue 1, p74
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Computer Science
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:2210-4119
  • DOI:10.1075/ld.00213.coo
  • Accession Number:191148802
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