WEB-USE PATTERNS FOR CIVIC DISCOURSE

This research examines communicative and interactive features of Mongolian-language civic-discourse web sites by applying the media typology models proposed by Bordewijk and Van Kaam and Van Dijk. Based on the results of the content analysis of Mongolian governmental and civil society institutions, this research provides (1) empirical evidence useful for understanding the role of the Internet in social and political practices; and (2) a plausible model for assessing interactive characteristics of civic-discourse web sites. The results of the study support the view that the Internet is mostly shaped by existing political and social settings and routines. This does not discount the fact that newly established structures such as diaspora networks, new media organizations and interest groups are becoming more resourceful in using the interactive features of the Internet to expand the civic discourse in the Mongolian language.