Texting, the new communication of today and it's on the way into the future. Everybody is doing it - kids, teens and adults. Why? It's fast, convenient and silent. It's quite evident it's becoming an entire language all
on its own. Even my teenager would rather text than speak to someone on the phone. I asked her why. She replied, "It's more fun."
This new slang, texting, is becoming more predominant over proper grammar when speaking and writing. It provides shortcuts and emotions on the fly. It simplifies explanations and promotes wide gaps in conveying thought.
Every language has its place and purpose. Every slang has its coolness and trendiness. The beauty of texting is your ability to carry on a conversation during times when you can't actually speak to someone on the phone or in person. For example, people use it while they are at school and work. They use it when they don't want other people to listen to their conversation. People also use it to bolster their confidence in communicating with others. It is a substitution practice for communication. We also use it as an avoidance tool. The more we do it, the more common place it will become. I have caught myself using it many times. I tell more people to text me now instead of call me on the telephone because I don't want to get "stuck" on the phone with someone.
Sneaky? Yes. Less stressful? Yes. Able to leap reality with a capital "R"? Yes.
But is our texting ruining grammar? We are definitely on the way. As we substitute our language for shortcuts, we lose value to our thoughts, feelings and expressions. We gain misunderstanding, misinterpretations and ineffectiveness. We do ourselves a disservice by simplifying our ability to communicate.
So what are we to do? Find the balance. Texting is only technological shorthand for speaking and writing. We need to know when it is appropriate to use texting rather than picking up a phone to speak to someone or convey our thoughts in writing. We need to know when it's the proper time to use shortcuts. We need to know when it's appropriate to convey the respect and attention that someone deserves.
This new slang, texting, is becoming more predominant over proper grammar when speaking and writing. It provides shortcuts and emotions on the fly. It simplifies explanations and promotes wide gaps in conveying thought.
Every language has its place and purpose. Every slang has its coolness and trendiness. The beauty of texting is your ability to carry on a conversation during times when you can't actually speak to someone on the phone or in person. For example, people use it while they are at school and work. They use it when they don't want other people to listen to their conversation. People also use it to bolster their confidence in communicating with others. It is a substitution practice for communication. We also use it as an avoidance tool. The more we do it, the more common place it will become. I have caught myself using it many times. I tell more people to text me now instead of call me on the telephone because I don't want to get "stuck" on the phone with someone.
Sneaky? Yes. Less stressful? Yes. Able to leap reality with a capital "R"? Yes.
But is our texting ruining grammar? We are definitely on the way. As we substitute our language for shortcuts, we lose value to our thoughts, feelings and expressions. We gain misunderstanding, misinterpretations and ineffectiveness. We do ourselves a disservice by simplifying our ability to communicate.
So what are we to do? Find the balance. Texting is only technological shorthand for speaking and writing. We need to know when it is appropriate to use texting rather than picking up a phone to speak to someone or convey our thoughts in writing. We need to know when it's the proper time to use shortcuts. We need to know when it's appropriate to convey the respect and attention that someone deserves.
Texting: The End or Evolution or of Proper Grammar?
Texting styles challenge traditional rules of grammar. Is this a good thing?
The Cost of Grammar Wars: Survival of the Fittest
Grammatical errors destroy a business image and can hurt business. Anecdotal evidence for this claim abounds, but empirical evidence is scarce. I created my own exploratory surv...
Texting and Instant Messaging: Help or Hindrance?
Texting and Instant Messaging may make you feel connected, but does it truly help or hinder your communication with other people?
Will Texting Create and End to Good Grammar?
An opinion article on the effect that texting will have on the next generation's ability to and the importance of writing well.
|
|
As we substitute our language for shortcuts, we lose value to our thoughts, feelings and expressions. We gain misunderstanding, misinterpretations and ineffectiveness. We do ourselves a disservice by simplifying our ability to communicate.
Type in Your Comments Below