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On Speaking About Computing

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On Speaking About Computing. / Bloomfield, Brian.
In: Sociology, Vol. 23, No. 3, 08.1989, p. 409-426.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review

Harvard

Bloomfield, B 1989, 'On Speaking About Computing', Sociology, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 409-426. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038589023003005

APA

Bloomfield, B. (1989). On Speaking About Computing. Sociology, 23(3), 409-426. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038589023003005

Vancouver

Bloomfield B. On Speaking About Computing. Sociology. 1989 Aug;23(3):409-426. doi: 10.1177/0038038589023003005

Author

Bloomfield, Brian. / On Speaking About Computing. In: Sociology. 1989 ; Vol. 23, No. 3. pp. 409-426.

Bibtex

@article{395fe047cef24fd797966100f5e5df0f,
title = "On Speaking About Computing",
abstract = "This paper explores the connection between language and our thought and beliefs about computers. In particular it considers how certain features of language - such as verbal habits, or the traces in language due to social interests and power - help to shape particular reports and interpretations of the behaviour of computer programs and thereby sustain or reinforce beliefs about the organisational role of computers and even their status vis-a-vis human beings. It is contended that when computers and computer-related practices are introduced into an organisation users become members of computer cultures where new or reshaped ways of thinking and speaking are acquired in order subsequently to discuss or operate the technology. It is suggested that these cultures and their language be made the focus of sociological scrutiny.",
author = "Brian Bloomfield",
year = "1989",
month = aug,
doi = "10.1177/0038038589023003005",
language = "English",
volume = "23",
pages = "409--426",
journal = "Sociology",
issn = "0038-0385",
publisher = "SAGE Publications Ltd",
number = "3",

}

RIS

TY - JOUR

T1 - On Speaking About Computing

AU - Bloomfield, Brian

PY - 1989/8

Y1 - 1989/8

N2 - This paper explores the connection between language and our thought and beliefs about computers. In particular it considers how certain features of language - such as verbal habits, or the traces in language due to social interests and power - help to shape particular reports and interpretations of the behaviour of computer programs and thereby sustain or reinforce beliefs about the organisational role of computers and even their status vis-a-vis human beings. It is contended that when computers and computer-related practices are introduced into an organisation users become members of computer cultures where new or reshaped ways of thinking and speaking are acquired in order subsequently to discuss or operate the technology. It is suggested that these cultures and their language be made the focus of sociological scrutiny.

AB - This paper explores the connection between language and our thought and beliefs about computers. In particular it considers how certain features of language - such as verbal habits, or the traces in language due to social interests and power - help to shape particular reports and interpretations of the behaviour of computer programs and thereby sustain or reinforce beliefs about the organisational role of computers and even their status vis-a-vis human beings. It is contended that when computers and computer-related practices are introduced into an organisation users become members of computer cultures where new or reshaped ways of thinking and speaking are acquired in order subsequently to discuss or operate the technology. It is suggested that these cultures and their language be made the focus of sociological scrutiny.

U2 - 10.1177/0038038589023003005

DO - 10.1177/0038038589023003005

M3 - Journal article

VL - 23

SP - 409

EP - 426

JO - Sociology

JF - Sociology

SN - 0038-0385

IS - 3

ER -