Many today would stereotypically say that our generation lives in a world dominated by technology. Or simply, "We liv en a w0rld domnatd b teknlogi". It is true that technology has always had somewhat of a close link with language and is a cultural symbol of our awakening generation, and to this day has continued to evolve. The current question that many people ask themselves today, from linguists for parents raising a teenager is, is "texting" or "text speak" a convenient form of speech or just simply all around laziness? Both David Crystal, a British linguist and Jon McWhorther an American linguists argue this subject by conveying the same positive message; language is language.
In the TedTalk led by Jon McWhorther, he argues that texting is a miraculous energy complexity that we are seeing emerge right now before our very eyes. He focuses his supporting points based on the idea that we language is known speech and was not always defined as the way we write. McWorther states the fact that writing and literature did come over 100 years after speech emerged from humans; giving the topic of language a more complex, academic perspective. Writing does have advantages, per say as you can do things and convey messages that are much less likely to be said out loud while you are talking. To elaborate his point further, he uses several examples of different writings composed over years and points out the level of formality within the author's words. He claims that one of the main questions that we ask ourselves are "We talk like we write, but do we write like we talk?".
Over the years, technology, specifically texting has had both a positive and negative impact on our lives. Some positive features surely enough do include being able to communicate faster through text, and get the message across in a more direct way, as well as the negative downfall of literacy. In David Crystal's commentary Texting he argues society's view on text speak and praises the modern phenomenon. "Texting has motivated speech in a much more wide-ranging and innovative set of conventions." Crystal states that language is now recognised more and is constantly evolving. Text speak has embraced the use of language and interpreted it as it's own way of communicating with different social groups. He refers to "text speak" as a new medium for language, which is one of the main reasons why so many linguists are attracted to this subject. Text speak's key feature is abbreviations. For example, words are often formed by using single syllables (i.e. "b" and "u"). Crystal discusses how textures seem to be aware of the value of the written word and the change that occurs in text speak but use it anyway. People often write in "non-standard" english pronunciation, which is perfectly fine as this form of language is appreciated in the way we talk.The fact of the matter is that the use of text speak is not a form of laziness or "boredom" it is simply the new evolved way that a certain social group may or may not communicate with one another.
In conclusion, both linguists view the positive impact of texting and text speak from a literate, and complex point of view. Like everything else in the world, there will always be limitations and strengths, and that is all depends on the way we interpret it. Linguists may view text speak as the fall of english literacy whereas a teenager may view it as a convenient and more direct way to get the message across to their receiver. Crystal and McWhorther agree on the idea that text speak is the evolving genre of our generation, and along with other individuals, we must adapt to new changes in language as it is constantly evolving while it surrounds us in our everyday lives.
In the TedTalk led by Jon McWhorther, he argues that texting is a miraculous energy complexity that we are seeing emerge right now before our very eyes. He focuses his supporting points based on the idea that we language is known speech and was not always defined as the way we write. McWorther states the fact that writing and literature did come over 100 years after speech emerged from humans; giving the topic of language a more complex, academic perspective. Writing does have advantages, per say as you can do things and convey messages that are much less likely to be said out loud while you are talking. To elaborate his point further, he uses several examples of different writings composed over years and points out the level of formality within the author's words. He claims that one of the main questions that we ask ourselves are "We talk like we write, but do we write like we talk?".
Over the years, technology, specifically texting has had both a positive and negative impact on our lives. Some positive features surely enough do include being able to communicate faster through text, and get the message across in a more direct way, as well as the negative downfall of literacy. In David Crystal's commentary Texting he argues society's view on text speak and praises the modern phenomenon. "Texting has motivated speech in a much more wide-ranging and innovative set of conventions." Crystal states that language is now recognised more and is constantly evolving. Text speak has embraced the use of language and interpreted it as it's own way of communicating with different social groups. He refers to "text speak" as a new medium for language, which is one of the main reasons why so many linguists are attracted to this subject. Text speak's key feature is abbreviations. For example, words are often formed by using single syllables (i.e. "b" and "u"). Crystal discusses how textures seem to be aware of the value of the written word and the change that occurs in text speak but use it anyway. People often write in "non-standard" english pronunciation, which is perfectly fine as this form of language is appreciated in the way we talk.The fact of the matter is that the use of text speak is not a form of laziness or "boredom" it is simply the new evolved way that a certain social group may or may not communicate with one another.
In conclusion, both linguists view the positive impact of texting and text speak from a literate, and complex point of view. Like everything else in the world, there will always be limitations and strengths, and that is all depends on the way we interpret it. Linguists may view text speak as the fall of english literacy whereas a teenager may view it as a convenient and more direct way to get the message across to their receiver. Crystal and McWhorther agree on the idea that text speak is the evolving genre of our generation, and along with other individuals, we must adapt to new changes in language as it is constantly evolving while it surrounds us in our everyday lives.
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