We argue here that using an economised language in computer-mediated communication is evidence that learners are autonomous. Data is analysed from text chatlogs in English, and we see evidence of such language in reduced forms like clippings. The use of these forms is evidence that a community of practice has formed. Crucially, also, the participants are leaders in the setting of reduced forms as discourse norms. Thus, we conclude that the learners are autonomous agents in their language learning.