Current Event #25: Is Texting Killing the English Language?
Due: Friday, May 3, 2013
In today's times it is becoming more apparent that the English language is being replaced with the technology age's text language. Constantly, people are substituting words and phrases with shorten symbols and letters. It has become an epidemic which has caused some older people to further dislike technology and the way in which younger people have been accused of discontinuing a language of pride.
What You Will Do:
1) Students will visit the following link: http://ideas.time.com/2013/04/25/is-texting-killing-the-english-language/ and read the article posted to answer the following questions.
2) Do you utilize the various texting symbols and language to communicate with people within your phone messages or everyday writing? Explain through examples.
3) How do you go about learning the various meanings of different texting symbols and phrases used in text messaging?
3) Why do you think people like to invent new languages such as texting and will the new texting language lead to people forgetting and/or abandoning the proper English language?
***Note: Remember to answer all questions in complete, detailed sentences/paragraphs.***
Avery Acierno
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
4/29/13
I do use texting language. However, I reserve the use of it for my texting and online communication with friends. When I am writing something else, for example a thing for school or a formal message to an adult, I use the regular English language. I feel texting language is convenient for messaging family and friends, but it is inappropriate for everyday formal writing. An example of this is I would text a friend “g2g c u 2moro”, but if I was writing a letter I would say “I have to go now, I’ll write again soon.”
I learn different texting phrases by common knowledge and through the texts I receive from others. Some texting phrases are common knowledge, like LOL and using R instead of are. Sometimes, I will receive a text message that has texting language I haven’t come across before and I will pick it up from there. An example would be if I asked someone a question and they responded IDK- I don’t know.
I think people like to invent new languages, such as the texting language, because it allows them to express themselves more. Also, texting language was invented to make messaging conversation quicker and more convenient. I do not think texting language will lead people to abandon the proper English language. Most people know how to use regular English, and they do so when texting language is inappropriate. While texting language may become more common in messaging, formal writing will always be taught and have its place in society.
Jackson Cabell
ReplyDelete7th Period
1) I barley utilize the various texting symbols and language to communicate with people within my phone messages. When I text, I usually spell everything out, writing in the proper English language. But, I do use the abbreviation LOL for explaining that I am laughing.
2) I go about learning the various meanings of different texting symbols and phrases used in text messaging but finding them out from people who text me. I also will learn the new ways through looking at how my friends amigos text.
3) I think people like to invent new languages such as texting because it is quicker and easier to type when you are texting. People are getting lazier these days so they are looking for any way to make little things easier and less complicated. And the new texting language will lead to people forgetting and/or abandoning the proper English language, I think, because, when people use this language too often, they will start using it when talking, and soon all the time. This will cause them to forget about the English language they once new, which is the proper and correct English version. love you Corey.
Forrest Pratson
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
4/29/13
i do text and use texing language alot when texting friends i use words like like g2g and lol alot because it would seem strange to write it out and with a tiny keyboard it is more annoying to type out whole phrases so by shortening commonly used phrases it helps
i learn these new symbols the most probably through facebook or twitter when someone says something using text language and i use common sense to figure it out occasionally i will have someone text me through text language and not recognize a new slang and have to ask them what the meaning is
i think that people invent new text shorthand so that texting on the smaller keyboard is easier. but also because to a new generation a new language is our thing and it is cool to have that i think that there will never be a mix up between regular language and texting language for most there is a definite barrier between english class and texting with friends that will never be breached
Anna Castellano
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
I do utilize the various texting symbols and language to communicate with people within my phone messages but, I do not utilize it in everyday writing. When texting my friends or family I use abbreviations such as “u” for you and “r” for are. However, in everyday writing such as notes in a class or letters, I do not use these symbols to communicate. I usually write full and complete sentences and words down.
When I am learning the various meanings of different texting symbols and phrases most of them are pretty self-explanatory so I see it in a message from my friend and start to use it as well. If my friend messages me an abbreviation that I’m not sure about I just ask them what it means. Then my friend would tell me and voilà, I know another abbreviation.
I think that people like to invent new languages such as texting because it creates a faster and more efficient way of communicating with friends via text messaging. No, I don’t think that the new texting language will lead to people forgetting and/or abandoning the proper English language because you still use proper English in school. There will always be proper English language taught in school. The texting language is just a faster way to type thoughts on your phone for a text message, not a new way of writing papers and essays.
Veronica Kim
ReplyDelete1st period
4/29/2013
I use smiley faces a lot, and the phrase "haha" to communicate that I'm laughing. I don't really use abbreviations like "lol" though... sometimes I will say "idk" or "btw" but that's about it. I don't shorten "you" to "u" or "are" to "r." Not sure why, but it bothers me a lot.
If I don't know what a certain phrase means in texting, I ask. If someone uses a smiley face or something, I take it to mean that they are smiling (duh). I mean, all those faces and stuff are pretty self-explanatory. Auto-correct is my best friend though haha.
I think people like to use texting language (mostly abbreviations) because it makes it a lot easier to communicate. Also, there are character limits on each text you send, which means that shortening phrases like "talk to you later" into "ttyl" can let you say more things. Since when you text you're not usually face to face with the person you're texting (unless you're lame, like me), smileys/frownys/whatever-else-you-can-think-of-ys help convey emotion. I don't think texting language will ever become the "proper English language" (to be perfectly honest, it bothers me a lot when people use text-speak in real life. Come on, guys. "Lol" is not a term that should actually be used away from the keyboard) because there are enough people who don't text to keep our language alive. Texting is just an easier way to communicate, and it provides a sort of "universal," electronic dialect that everyone understands. For me, anyways, it doesn't really translate into real life.
1. I do use various symbols and languages when texting to certain people, languages such as “c”,”tru”,”bae”.
ReplyDelete2. I’ve learned from my mother and sister about the phrases and most of the symbols I’ve already known.
3. I think people invented the texting language to speed up the process of what the individual is trying to say. I believe this new language can have an affect on some individuals when they are writing an essay or things of that sort, but some people ( like me) don’t forget that there is a time and place for everything and original writing skills are for writing and texting is for the phone.
Gabi Brenman
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
I use some of the various text phrases when I text on my phone or chat with someone online. I often use smiley faces and “hahaha” or “lol” or “idk,” but besides that I do not use many other shortened phrases. Right now I have an iPhone, so it corrects a lot of my shortened phrases and makes it easier to text longer messages. I used to have a phone with a slide-out keyboard. On that phone, it was harder to type so I would shorten more phrases than I do now simply because it was easier. I know to never use shortened phrases in formal writing, and all of my English teachers have made that very clear.
Most of the phrases used in texting I already know. However, once in awhile a new phrase comes up. I either ask the person who sent it to me what it means, or I google it. I do not believe texting will lead to abandoning proper English. In texting, messages are shorter and to the point- the same way we speak. Formal writing is meant to be longer and more sophisticated. I think people like to invent new languages so there are more ways to communicate or to make communication easier.
Joy Stouffer
ReplyDeletep.7
2. I use texting symbols when I am texting. I never use them as a write. Some people use abbreviations like “I have 2 talk 2 u” when they write, but I never do that because really, how much longer does it take to write out the words? Especially if it is a paper for school.
3. If I don’t know what a text symbol is, then I text the person who texted it and ask them what they just sent me. Usually, though, that doesn’t happen. Also, you can look up pictures on line. Google will have the answer
4. I think that the texting language was invented because people like to shorten their words. The phone keypads are very tiny and it is not fun to type all the words out. For a word like “tomorrow,” it is easier to abbreviate it to “tmrw.” Text language is a simple, easier language.
Elise Dixon
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Honors World History
While texting I will utilize texting symbols but I will never use texting symbols while I am normally writing for any occasion. I will use words like lol, btw, y, ect. But only if i would need to use those words. I learned text messages by texting my friends and when I did not understand what they were saying, I would ask them what the text symbols said. For some of the text messages I knew what they said, for instance using y instead of why, it is sounded out as the same thing. I believe that people make up languages like texting languages for mostly it being fast, and efficient to quickly talk to people while spending the least amount of money.
Francis Wemmenhove
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
When communicating with people in a phone message I will sometimes use text symbols or abbreviations. However, I do not use these symbols/abbreviations in everyday writing. When I am texting ‘btw’ and ‘idk’ are some of the abbreviations I use. When I see a symbol or phrase used in a text that I do not know I will either look it up or ask the person what the phrase/symbol meant. People invented the ‘texting language’ so that texting would be easier. Nobody really enjoys writing out long messages on their phone, so these symbols/abbreviations make it easier to type. I do not think that these abbreviations are leading people to forget proper English.
Ari Horwitz
ReplyDelete4/30/13
7th Period
•For me I tend to use shortened words when I text. Like sometimes instead of saying “you” I will say “u” it has really became a habit for teenagers. But when I normally text it is not 100% slang I try to maintain my use of proper English even if the majority of teenagers are starting to use slang terms while texting. If I am not texting I don’t use shortened symbols at all I write formally.
•I think that people learn to abbreviate terms while texting from peers. When they see a term like “LOL” they think it is trending at the time and wants to use it as well. From there it just becomes universal because almost every teenager is texting each other now a days.
•I think people like to invent these languages because it just makes life easier for the writer in stead of saying “laugh out loud” they can just say “LOL” instead of saying “I don’t care” they can just say ”IDK.” People are turning to the less time consuming actions and it is getting popular to save time. I don’t think slang texting language will over take the English language but it will definitely continue to be used. School is meant to learn how to read and write properly and citizens will continue to write that way unless they are texting.
Shreyas Pyati
ReplyDelete4/30/12
Period 7
I do use shortened/ "text language" while texting. I do shorten almost everything I write via text. I do not text much though so it doesn't carry into my work for English class or any other class that requires an essay.
I learned my texting language from my friends that I texted. I remember in elementary school I had no idea what the phrase "lol" meant, but I think that by texting and communicating online with my peers I learned more about this "new" language and implemented it into my own writing.
I think that it is mainly laziness. I have no problem with typing everything out, but it can take up to 4 times as long and thus it can be trying to one's patience. I don't know if this will carry into the English language but I heard from one of my friends that he got points off on a test for using "u" instead of "you". It is like learning a new language-there are so many abbreviations-but for the time being I do not think that it will take over the English language. It is just too different in most cases.
i do text and use texing language alot when texting friends i use words like like g2g and lol alot because it would seem strange to write it out and with a tiny keyboard it is more annoying to type out whole phrases so by shortening commonly used phrases it helps
ReplyDeletei learn these new symbols the most probably through facebook or twitter when someone says something using text language and i use common sense to figure it out occasionally i will have someone text me through text language and not recognize a new slang and have to ask them what the meaning is
i think that people invent new text shorthand so that texting on the smaller keyboard is easier. but also because to a new generation a new language is our thing and it is cool to have that i think that there will never be a mix up between regular language and texting language for most there is a definite barrier between english class and texting with friends that will never be breached
Blake Rasnake
ReplyDelete2nd
1) When I am texting I never use the various texting symbols that some of my friends use. Most of the people that I do text is symbols and half the time I have know idea what they are talking about. When I am texting I always spell out everything that I type. I might sometimes use "wby" when saying what about you but that would be the only time I would use it.
2) Like I said before 50% of the time I have know idea what people are saying. I have to ask my friends what they are talking about and I feel really stupid. That is how I figure out most of the texting symbols that my friends use.
3) I think that people like to make up their own texting languages because it makes it much easer to type. Everyone is to lazy to type everything out so they just make up stuff. I do think that it is hurting the people in the schools when they are writing papers and I think that it really need to change. We need to do something about it.
Francisco Coch
ReplyDelete7
I sometimes, but not often, use texting symbols and language when I’m texting one of my friends, which are usually casual conversations and thus not needing exact grammar rules and punctuation. I do, however, believe that if one uses the same style when actually writing rather than sending messages online, it demotes the meaning of things which would otherwise not be the case if texting. I learn the different meanings through friends, or sometimes the handy Urban Dictionary. I think people use the writing style in texting in order to make communicating ideas much more simply. I think that as long as there is a clear distinction between writing in real life and what you’d text; the English language will not deteriorate.
Abby Kameny
ReplyDelete5th period
I have to admit I use some abbreviations often when texting my friends. I don't abbreviate everything, however I usually use "u" for "you", "lol" for "I have nothing else to say/ I guess that was kind of funny", "btw" for "by the way", and other abbreviations. One thing that annoys me is when people incorrectly spell words-- intentionally. Seriously, do people want to just save a nanosecond of their precious free time by writing one less letter? "Nite" instead of "night" may be easier, but it makes people look like idiots.
I can usually figure out texting lingo that I don't recognize immediately by just looking at the context. If not, I'll look it up on the internet. I recently went through all of my old emails from when I was young and awkward, and I am now wondering how I had friends. I abbreviated EVERYTHING. I obviously don't do that now because it is unprofessional.
It's either that people don't care about talking like cavemen for the rest of their lives, or they were simply not thinking ahead when inventing new texting slang. Although I tend to abbreviate words on occasion, I still use proper grammar and use apostrophes in the right places while typing-- partly because I have autocorrect, but still. It annoys me so much when my friends will use the word "your" for "you're", or the other way around. I don't know if that's because people fell asleep during three years of English class or are just being lazy. Either way, it bugs me. Maybe this is biased because I'm a "Grammar Nazi", but I believe this irritates other people too. I hope people stop using these crazy abbreviations, including myself, but I highly doubt it will happen. Let's face it-- technology is getting so creepy and futuristic that soon we will be able to read each other's minds. But for now, let's actually speak English when sending a text or a Facebook message to friends.
Abby! You rock! This is awesome. I love: "...'lol' for 'I have nothing else to say/ I guess that was kind of funny...'" It is so true. Okay, I'm just kidding, but :) heehee ttyl
DeleteHahaha, thanks Rebecca! (:
DeleteJames Menache Period 5
ReplyDelete2)
No I don't usually use symbols while texting because I have an iPhone and they have an auto correct feature. Most other phones also do the same thing.
3)
Usually the symbols are self-explanatory or just stand for something.
4)
The reason people use texting symbols or abbreviations is because it is much faster. No i do not think that using symbols will cause people to forget the English language, but I do believe that things like auto correct will cause people to miss spell things more in hand written pieces.
McKenzie Matherly
ReplyDeleteI hardly ever use symbols while texting because most of the time my phone corrects it. Or i just find it unnecessary.
Most of the phrases used in texting I already know. However, once in awhile a new phrase comes up. I either ask the person who sent it to me what it means, or I google it.
I do not believe texting will lead to abandoning proper English. In texting, messages are shorter and to the point- the same way we speak. Formal writing is meant to be longer and more sophisticated. I think people like to invent new languages so there are more ways to communicate or to make communication easier.
Jessi Szymczak
ReplyDelete2nd
5/1/13
When I'm texting I do use texting symbols. While texting I like to shorten words, some of those words include "u" instead of "you", "r" for "are", and "tho" instead of "though". However, when I'm writing I never use any type of texting symbols.
I probably have learned the different various meanings of text through texting my friends and seeing how they use different various shortenings and meanings. Also, from seeing different shortenings and meanings of things being used on other social media sites.
I think people like to use and invent new things for texting because it's easier and when they shorten words it doesn't take as much time. The human race has a tendency to do things that are easier for them that don't cause them to use as much effort. I think without a doubt people will start to stray from the proper English language because they want to find short cuts and take less time to communicate with people. However, in saying that I don't think people will ever totally forget the proper English language, but, it will be used a lot less than it used to be.
Anna Grace Kelley
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
05/01/13
Whenever I am texting, I often find myself using abbreviations such as U, R and IDK. I have seen some people who have problems writing due to the fact that they text too much, but I have never personally had this problem. I have noticed that sometimes I have a hard time spelling things and I’m not sure if that is due to the fact that I do text or not. Overall though, it hasn’t seemed like a problem for me personally.
I have learned some new abbreviations and meanings through texting my friends and others. Other social media sites use shortened words as well so through all of that I have picked up on some new texting meanings. I think that people like to abbreviate words because it takes less time and is easier to type. Everything in our society is about taking short cuts and finding the quickest way to do anything so this is no exception.
With all this being said though, I don’t think that there is much to worry about. Sure this might have a minor effect on young people learning to spell, but it hasn’t effected the human race enough to worry about it.
Carly LeMoine
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
I do utilize the various texting symbols. To me it’s just easier and faster to type and get across your point if you use symbols. For example instead of writing the phrase how about you, it’s turned into hbu. To learn the various meanings of the symbols you would have to be introduced to them. So say a friend texts you with a symbol that you do not know. All you have to do is ask what the symbol means and they will tell you. You have then learned the meaning to a new symbol. I think people come up with new symbols because they are more convenient to use y then writing the whole phrase out. I don’t think it will ruin the English language. If people use symbols and understand them then they have to know what they spell out. If you know what they spell out then you know the language.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCasey Patterson
ReplyDelete5/1/13
period 2
I do use shortened "text language" while texting. I do shorten almost everything I write while texting. I do not text much though so it doesn't carry into my work for English class.
Most of the phrases used in texting I already know. However, once in awhile a new phrase comes up, I either ask the person who sent it to me what it means, or look it up myself.
I think people invented the texting language to speed up the process of what the individual is trying to say. I believe this new language can have an affect on some individuals when they are writing an essay or things of that sort, but some people ( like me) don’t forget that there is a time and place for everything and original writing skills are for writing and texting is for the phone.
Olivia Wander
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
When I text, I do use texting shorthands such as lol, jk, cya, brb, wtf, ect. (Which, incidentally, is not a texting shorthand but a Latin abbreviation. ;) ). It is quicker and easier to type than the full words. My friends know what I mean. However, when I write with a paper and pen or I am writing an email, I do not use texting shorthands, as they are informal.
When I don't know what a shorthand means, I either Google the answer or ask a friend. Sometimes you can tell what the shorthand means based on the context clues in the sentence.
I have no earthly idea why humans longed to create language. It might have been a need for more specific communication, due to hunting in groups, or it could have risen in occurrence with civilization and living close together. I do not believe that texting will kill the English language. It is, as stated in the article, a new code that is subtle and beautiful in its own right.
Joyce Yao
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
When I text people, I do sometimes use "texting language". It has become common to correspond with our peers like that, using words like "lol" and "ikr" or whatever. And it does make texting quicker so friends can quickly tell their friends what's happenin lolzz.! However, I don't use it extensively so I don't sound like I'm illiterate. It's usually pretty easy to decipher what the "different texting symbols and phrases" are and if not there's always urbandictionary to refer to hahh. And if I'm dignified enough I'll ask the person what it means. I don't think people invent new languages such as texting TO abandon the proper English language, but really to just make texting easier and more interesting for themselves and whoever they're talking to. But it is kind of scary how people do use texting language instead of proper English so hopefully that will change loool ok good nite c u corey
Katherine Yang
ReplyDelete5/1/2013
5th Period World History
2) No, I do not really utilize the various texting symbols or language. I usually write with complete words, but I do use emoticons occasionally, since they are easy to use for expressing emotions. Though I do not use texting abbreviations, I do see them on many social networking and blog sites.
3) The majority of abbreviations are very easy to figure out, and many naive texters have probably learnt text abbreviations from simply searching them up on the internet. Websites exist, such as urban dictionary, that teach novices about the meanings of internet terms and abbreviations.
4) I don’t think text shorthand should be treated as another language, but rather as a new version or style for writing our common English. It’s more convenient, faster, and saves data and space on a device so that more correspondence can be written. As our world progressively gains better and more advanced technology, text abbreviations have become necessary and prominent.
Hope Davison, 1st Period
ReplyDeleteI don’t have a phone, so I don’t text at all. I can’t say I ever use any of the texting abbreviations, even rarely online because I’m well familiar with the keyboard and I don’t feel the need to shorten an already short word or phrase even more.
Honestly, I don’t see new texting phrases much, but if it ever comes up I just guess what it probably means and if I don’t know then I won’t pursue it. I don’t care too much about keeping up with texting lingo.
Friends probably want to feel more comfortable when they’re not face-to-face, and to do that they use casual texting phrases. It’s also faster and easier for them to type it out. I seriously doubt texting language will take over, because talking and saying what you want to say in proper English is not hard at all, so there isn’t any need to abbreviate words if you’re actually speaking. There are also a lot of people who strictly keep texting speak to mobile devices only.
Saane Chamberlin-Finau
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
5-1-13
Yes, i do use the various texting symbols and abbreviations that are typically used. In class however i do not because i know better than to do that. I can communicate both ways and i understand and comprehend both. I say thinks like "lol" or "omg". Even simple things like instead of writing "are" out i just type "r". I don't think we are abandoning our language first off. If i learn to speak klinong that doesn't mean that i am going to start talking constantly and writing all of my school papers that way. I do however thank that spelling is becoming a bigger issue sue to auto-correct. I have never been a good speller and lets face it, most of the words in this paper have been auto-corrected for me. I think people like to event it because simply people are lazy, i mean, why write out "because" when you can just write out "bcuz"?
Gavin Rothwell
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
I do use shortened language while texting. I do shorten almost everything I write when I text. Although I text a lot, I can manage to keep it from spilling over into my daily language and English class.
I learned my texting language from my friends that I texted. I remember in elementary school I had no idea what the phrase "lol" meant, but I think that by texting and communicating online with my peers I learned more about this "new" language and implemented it into my own writing.
I think that it is mainly laziness. I have no problem with typing everything out, but it can take up to 4 times as long and thus it can be trying to one's patience. I don't know if this will carry into the English language but I heard from one of my friends that he got points off on a test for using "u" instead of "you". It is like learning a new language-there are so many abbreviations-but for the time being I do not think that it will take over the English language. It is just too different in most cases.
Shamim Zarei
ReplyDelete2nd Period
Yes, i use various texting symbols and phrases such as "lol" and "ttly". I can communicate both ways and it won't lead to any problems about me messing up with the English language. The texting language is many about writing as fast as you can, so that's why words like "hbu" have became popular.
I mainly learned the texting language from my friends that I text. The very old and popular phrases such as "lol" I knew for a while, but the new phrases like "smh" I mainly learned from my friends.
People like creating new phrases because it makes texting faster and less clicking. I don't think texting will make people forget the English language because school and texting are two different modes in the brain so your brain knows when to use which.
Kurt Gee
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
I use some of the various text phrases when I text on my phone or chat with someone online. I often use smiley faces and “hahaha” or “lol” or “idk,” but besides that I do not use many other shortened phrases. Right now I have an iPhone, so it corrects a lot of my shortened phrases and makes it easier to text longer messages. I used to have a phone with a slide-out keyboard. On that phone, it was harder to type so I would shorten more phrases than I do now simply because it was easier. I know to never use shortened phrases in formal writing, and all of my English teachers have made that very clear.
Most of the phrases used in texting I already know. However, once in awhile a new phrase comes up. I either ask the person who sent it to me what it means, or I google it. I do not believe texting will lead to abandoning proper English. In texting, messages are shorter and to the point- the same way we speak. Formal writing is meant to be longer and more sophisticated. I think people like to invent new languages so there are more ways to communicate or to make communication easier.
Period 1
ReplyDelete1. Yes, I do use texting symbols but only when I’m texting. I never do that when I’m typing a paper or writing anything down. For example, I use things like U, R, 2, but that is only to speed up the texting process, not because I don’t know how to spell.
2. If I don’t know what something means that someone sends me, I will just send them a text back saying “What?” or something similar. Usually people will spell out what they are trying to say after that,
3. People like to do it simply because it’s faster, and requires less thinking. I do not believe that this will lead to the abandoning of the English language, but it will certainly change it.
Sam Bauers
ReplyDeletewaters
period 2
1. I do not use texting symnols when I text or write for classes. I do not think it takes any more time to just spell it out when you are texting and I personally think that it is very annoying when people do it. Sometimes when people abreviate too much it causes confusion which is why I do not do it.
2. If I dont know waht something means in a text I just try to use context clues when I read it. I dont want to have to ask the person what they meant because I dont want to look stupid.
3. People do use these symbols because they think it is faster. Also when you use these symbols it is easy to read to some people. I dont think it will change the English language though because when people talk you cant hear the differences and if peopole were to write a paper using these symbols then they would get an F on that paper.
Markale Cordova
ReplyDeletePeriod 5th
5/2/13
I do use shortened language while texting. I do shorten almost everything I write when I text. It doesn't carry into my work for English class.
The majority of abbreviations are very easy to figure out, and many naive texters have probably learnt text abbreviations from simply searching them up on the internet. From seeing different shortenings and meanings of things being used on other social media sites.
I think that the texting language was invented because people like to shorten their words. The phone keypads are very tiny and it is not fun to type all the words out. For a word like “tomorrow,” it is easier to abbreviate it to “tmrw.”
Julia Perkins
ReplyDelete1st Period History
When I text, I don’t use “texting language” for everything I write. Sometimes, though, I find it helpful to abbreviate phrases that I use a lot. For example, I generally write out “you” instead of just typing “u,” but I will shorten “I’ve got to go” to “i gtg.” Also, I will sometimes use symbols to make small faces, such as a colon and an end parentheses to create a smiley face, like this, “:).” In everyday writing, like for school, I don’t abbreviate anything.
Texting abbreviations and symbols are something that people generally pick up on. Also, for the most part, they’re easy enough to figure out. If they’re confusing you can just ask the person who used it, or if you’re really anti-social you can google it.
I think that texting symbols come up for convenience. Typing “ty” instead of “Thank you” might not seem like a big difference, but in reality it takes a shorter enough amount of time that many people prefer to abbreviate their texts in such a way. I don’t think that texting will affect how people write, because people don’t text like they write; they text like they talk, in short, simple sentences.
Albert Yam
ReplyDelete2nd Period
I use some of the various text phrases when I text on my phone or chat with someone online. I often use smiley faces and “hahaha” or “lol” or “idk,” but besides that I do not use many other shortened phrases. Right now I have an iPhone, so it corrects a lot of my shortened phrases and makes it easier to text longer messages. I used to have a phone with a slide-out keyboard. On that phone, it was harder to type so I would shorten more phrases than I do now simply because it was easier. I know to never use shortened phrases in formal writing, and all of my English teachers have made that very clear.
Most of the phrases used in texting I already know. However, once in awhile a new phrase comes up. I either ask the person who sent it to me what it means, or I google it. I do not believe texting will lead to abandoning proper English. In texting, messages are shorter and to the point- the same way we speak. Formal writing is meant to be longer and more sophisticated. I think people like to invent new languages so there are more ways to communicate or to make communication easier.
I just lost a gaint response to this so im not going to be as indepth as before
ReplyDeleteI never ues emoticons or conventinal abreviations becaues i dont text. however i have adopted some mannerisms from the internet. if i am trying to express my opinion on something im passonate about i will ues correct spelling and fairly sophisticated mannersims reminisent of revievers. if i am joking around typing i will ues a few unconventinal phrases and abreveations but not as much as other people will ues. these are the exact same ways i speak with my friends, online or in real life the only diffrences is that if im joking with my friends i will ues more phrases and collective inside jokes then in the areas they orriginated but never to the point where they are uesd in apropraitly or overuesd. the other diffrences is that i cant say the () and if on the correct websight > keys. when im doing school work i wont ues and of the written words or keys and will normaly write shorter choppyer sentences. when i speak to other people i only ues the phrases if i fell its the right social situation. no matter what i will always be gramicly incorect, ironicly im most gramiticly correct on the internet. in synopsis i dont let the phrases i ues on the internet sink into school work
I dont know many of the texting phrases the ones i do know i either pick up somehow or look up on urban dictionary
I think the reason for the abreveations is to speak faster, the point of emoticons is to quickly show emotion. you need to be quick while texting after all. even if they have utalitarian purposes they are fun to ues and with speshil phrases people fell seperate and included in a speshil community if the understand what they mean. texting is not destroying the english laungage its just a new faster form of writing that adds new slang words, afterall some slang becomes common place and is the reason languges change, basicly slang phrases have been along so long we are not destroying english we are just changing it like english has been changing for hundreds of years these new phrases are not casuing much harm but over the years may result in a changed language.
Paige Jones
ReplyDeleteperiod 2
1) No, I do not really utilize the various texting symbols or language. I usually write with complete words, but I do use emoticons occasionally, since they are easy to use for expressing emotions. Though I do not use texting abbreviations, I do see them on many social networking and blog sites.
2) The majority of abbreviations are very easy to figure out, and many naive texters have probably learnt text abbreviations from simply searching them up on the internet. Websites exist, such as urban dictionary, that teach novices about the meanings of internet terms and abbreviations.
3) I don’t think text shorthand should be treated as another language, but rather as a new version or style for writing our common English. It’s more convenient, faster, and saves data and space on a device so that more correspondence can be written. As our world progressively gains better and more advanced technology, text abbreviations have become necessary and prominent.
Emily Molina
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
When I text people, I do not use any special characters that I do not use in more formal writing. But occasionally, I will shorten a word or use an acronym. Sometimes, the word "you" will be come "u," or "though" is changed to "tho." This is simply for convenience or to keep the message short. I will also sometimes use "idk" or exaggerate the slang word "yeah" into "yeeeeeah," just to convey emotion or articulate.
So far, I do not actually text anyone that uses a lot of extra characters or phrases. The only "texting language" that comes in my messages is "lol" and "idk." Anything else is something that I have not really encountered.
It seems like people like to create "new languages" or expand the texting vocabulary because of convenience. One does not have to type as much if they use an acronym, which leads to quicker exchanges. Maybe to some people, quicker texts are a cherished substitution for true conversations, face-to-face with real people.
But I do not think that texting is going to seriously impact the use of proper English grammar. If texting truly is a written (typed) expression of our speech, then it will not adversely affect anything. If we type what we say, and our message has terrible grammar, then it is our speech we need to worry about.
Kunal Lodaya
ReplyDelete1st period
5/2
I usually use shortened forms of words for texts, like "ikr" or "idk", only because texting can become a cumbersome task when you are strapped for time. I try to limit my usage of these abbreviations, as it is typically easier to understand a full, coherent sentence, as opposed to one full of shortened phrases.
To learn the various intricacies of texting language, I turn to the comprehensive database at urbandictionary. Known as the dictionary that you write, urbandictionary provides definitions for any texting abbreviation ever used. It is a very useful and handy source for modern language, which changes every day.
In my mind, language is a continually evolving, dynamic part of our lives. We shouldn't remain fixated on our idea of "proper" language, and instead, we should accept the fact that language changes. If we insist on "proper" language always being the better way to speak, we should all be talking like cavemen.
Harison Young
ReplyDelete7th Period
I barley utilize the various texting symbols and language to communicate with people within my phone messages. When I text, I usually spell everything out, writing in the proper English language. But, I do use the abbreviation "LOL" for explaining that I am laughing.
I go about learning the various meanings of different texting symbols and phrases used in text messaging but finding them out from people who text me. I also will learn the new ways through looking at how my friends text.
I believe people like to invent new languages such as texting because it is quicker and easier to type when you are texting. People are getting lazier these days so they are looking for any way to make little things easier and less complicated. And the new texting language will lead to people forgetting and/or abandoning the proper English language, I think, because, when people use this language too often, they will start using it when talking, and soon all the time. This will cause them to forget about the English language they once new, which is the proper and correct English version.
COREY WATERS, I LOVE YOU MORE THAN JACKSON!!
Sophie Heins
ReplyDelete1st
I personally do not take advantage of the symbols and abbreviations that are used in texting. I just do not see a need for that sort of thing. I would much rather sound like a robot than a creation of modern society. I think it removes a lot of you from the text, but y'know everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
It is wrong how texting is probably going to become the new form of all launagues not just English. All nationalities have their own texting lingo. I think that it will remove an element of personality from texting, something that is already lacking in personality.
And no I don't want to create a new launague, mostly because I don't want to devolop all of the verb forms.
Hanna Siekierski
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
When I’m texting I don’t use a lot of the texting lingo that is assumed that most teens use. I usually just use smiley faces, or the phrase "haha" to show that I was laughing or that I found their text amusing. I don’t use abbreviations such as "lol" though. Occasionally I will send "idk" or "btw" but that's the extent of it. I don't shorten "you" to "u" or "are" to "r." At that point it doesn’t seem like you are saving yourself much time by doing that.
If I don't know what a certain phrase means in texting, I usually do one of two things. I may ask the person what it means or look it up. I end up doing the former mostly. If someone uses a smiley face or something, I take it to mean that they are smiling or that they are happy. I mean, in the way of using all the faces and emoticons, they are pretty self-explanatory.
I think people like to use texting language, well mostly abbreviations, since it allows for quicker and easier conversations. Also since most texts have character limits, you can shorten phrases such as "talk to you later" into "ttyl". This allows you to say more without having to send an extra text. Since when you text you're not usually face to face with the person you're texting things such smiley faces or emoticons to help convey emotion. I don't think texting language will ever become the "proper English language. There are enough people who don't text to keep our language alive. Texting is just an easier way to communicate, and it provides a universal way for people to connect.
Sarah Taekman
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Constantly you can hear adults complaining about their children texting non-stop, and how it’s undecipherable. You’d think that the creation of this new form of language would be strangling our formal one to death—but you’d probably be wrong. I view as more of an enhancement of our written language, and a way to avoid the high costs of texting and phone bills. The more conversation you can pack into one message, the better for your bills. Teens do this by keeping only the characters that allow you to identify the word. If anything, I think adults use stereotypical text lingo more than kids. I do occasionally utilize text lingos if I’m in a hurry, or if I’m being ironic. For instance, if I’m talking about homework with another student via text, I will try to capitalize and punctuate my sentences. But if someone texts me something particularly stupid, i begin to type like this with no capitalization or punctuation to convey how stupid they are. ALL CAPS IS ALSO A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS ANGER.
Generally, you learn different text lingos from your friends or by inferring the meaning of it from the context it’s used in. If I’m on Facebook and I see: “i’ll tell u wat I think of u if u LMS,” I assume it means “like my status” because that is really all you can do on Facebook. You are viewed as sort of a moron if you cannot figure what an acronym means. It is almost a language puzzle, expanding teenagers’ vocabulary and inference skills on a daily basis. I think people invent new languages like this to simplify and make communication easier. It’s like why people invented words for specific things: Why call it a four-legged, barking, furry creature with a tail and wicked teeth when you can just call it a dog? I definitely don’t think this is the end of the English language—our English teachers will make sure of that. This is just a new addition to our culture.
Edward Zhuang
ReplyDelete5th Period
When I write to my friends, I do uses internet abbreviations. If I were to tell an adult that I wouldn’t be in class, I would write, “I will not be in class tomorrow, as I have a dental appointment scheduled.” If I wanted to tell a friend that, I would type, “ I wl nt be n cls tmrw, dnt apmnt schdld.”
To decipher the meaning of rather nebulous text messages, all I have to do is search up the phrases I don’t recognize, as I will look silly if I must ask my friends. For example, when I had no idea as to what “ftfy” meant, I searched it up on urban dictionary, a great source for learning the new terms.
People are lazy. No one wants to write any word longer than 2 letters, as they provide massive strain to the thumbs and forefingers. Not only are abbreviations faster, they also serve as a way to rest the hand. This evolution of language is natural, and we should accept that this is how english will change.
Cisem Karaca
ReplyDelete5th period
5/2/13
When I text I tend to exaggerate and emphasize certain words. There are many abbreviations that come along with this such at LOL, TTYL, ILY, OMG #fun jk ... But I do resort to some form of grammar when texting someone more formal such as a relative. When texting my friends I bring out the texting slang in me. If I do not understand an abbreviation I simply ask around or look it up to figure out how to respond.
I do not think texting is an evolution of language. Its not like we are going to text our papers in school or text test questions this is only a simple way of communicating that saves a lot of time. We should except the fact that technology is evolving and enforcing more technology in our work and social lives. If this is how we are going to stay connected people need to except the modernization of our culture. #giraffe
ily.
Danielle Reviere
ReplyDelete5th
Most of the time I do not use symbols or abbreviations, but if I need to text someone and I have limited time that is when I will use “u” instead of spelling out “you”, or “r” instead of “are”. The only other time that I would do something like that is if I am tired. I have never really used anything besides “u”, “r”, and putting a “?” instead of writing “what”, though. If I do not know what something means I will ask and most of the time the person will tell me. That is typically how I learn the different symbols. I think that people invent new languages to make something faster and easier. I think that using this texting language will not affect proper English grammar too much, but I do think occasionally people will write an abbreviation.
Avery Scope-Crafts
ReplyDeleteP.1
For me, it depends on the situation. If I am in a hurry or I am multitasking, then I will use the various texting symbols. Normally, I use every day writing. For instance, I might say “cya” instead of “see you”. Most of the time, I will spell everything out though.
It may be different for some people, but I find that the various meanings of different texting symbols are really easy to know and keep track of. I probably don’t know every easy abbreviation, but I am sure I know all of the easy ones, like “cya”, “brb”, “ttyl”, and so on.
People would invent texting language because it makes everything a lot easy. No, I do not think that the new texting language will lead to people forgetting or abandoning the proper English language.
Well when I text I definitely shorten and or replace words. I do this by maybe instead of you are cool I would type u r cool. I never use writing like that with any other form of writing especially anything that needs to show that I understand the English Language. I also sometimes use abbreviations. These include: brb, wtf, lol, rofl and gtg.
ReplyDeleteI learn these means of texting by texting. How else would I?
I think people use shortened words, phrases, and abbreviations in texting to text quicker. Also I do not think it hurts peoples verbal language, but I do see people on facebook that use texting language for that and that annoys me.
Honestly, I find it kind of annoying when I am texting someone and they use so many abbreviations that it becomes hard to understand what they are saying. I try to use as little 'text slang' as possible. I think that the main reason that people use slang like 'gtg' 'cya' and 'ttyl' is that the meaning of the slang is well known and does not interfere with and 'experienced texter's' reading. However when someone is like 'Lts met at my hous l8r nd play cod' makes it hard to read. If I don't know what a word means when I'm texting, ill either look it up on urban dictionary or other places online. As I said earlier, I think that these symbols come up as convenience. It is just faster to use the slang than saying the full word or phrase. If someone is doing a lot of texting, just like anything else, they will try and find out faster ways of conveying their message. I don't think that texting is killing the language, just making texting annoying at times.
ReplyDeletePaige Haskins
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
May 3, 2013
1. When I text, I don't shorten words or abbreveate words because I find it somewhat annoying. It doesn't take that much time to write the whole word out and this way people will deffiently know what you're trying to say. However, I do use symbols sometimes, from the iphone app emoji. This being a commonly used app with icons everyone knows, it makes it easy to use.
2. Learning differently symbols isn't exactly a difficult task. When someone uses an abbreveation or symbol most the time you already know what it is from previously using it. If its an unknown saying, then you can typically look it up or infer what it is using context clues to understand the abbreveation.
3. I think people ike to "invent" new texting symbols because it makes the message more condensed. i don't think that people will lose their knowledge of the english language because of this. Everyone should be able to seperate the two. Espicially if one is in school. They would be forced to use proper grammer where as on a tect message it does't really matter.
Julianna Turner
ReplyDeleteApril 3, 2013
Waters, 2nd
Current Event
Although many people abbreviate a portion of their words while texting, I prefer to write everything out. Some examples of shortened words include “u” as a substitute for “you;” “r” for “are;” and “tho for “though;” Personally, I find it extremely annoying when people constantly shorten every single word they text. I find it hard to understand and annoying to read.
New texting symbols begin in something that is influential to many people, such as a song. An example of this is the term “YOLO.” “YOLO” stands for “you only live once” and became a common term after the song The Motto by Drake was released featuring rap artist Lil Wayne. Another way of learning new terms is to experience texting or talking with people, watching newly release movies, TV shows or youtube videos because the only way to learn a language is to experience it. In part, the abbreviations used when texting are a new language.
I think texting language evolved to save time for busy adults. But as more and more teens acquired cell phones they altered the language unintentionally. Languages evolve, therefore the English language can never stay the same; it is always changing. New words are always being invented, just as we are forgetting the older one. Most people in America do not speak Old English in the present time, and I do not see that as a negative thing. I do not see anything wrong with our present language, despite the fact that it could have been looked down upon in the time period when people spoke Old English. People do not like change, therefore they speculate the negative points to the change in speech.
Current Event 25
ReplyDeleteClaire Kern/PD 7
Whether I use proper grammar or symbols and acronyms really depends on the circumstance. If I’m just texting my friends and joking around I’ll use abbreviations such as “u” or “r.” I also tend to use shortened works or acronyms if I’m in a hurry. While communicating with my family over text I use proper grammar. I always speak properly while speaking though.
I learn the various symbols and acronyms to use from just catching on. In the texting age of today you kind of need to know all of the symbols or you won’t be able to understand what your friends are saying. You can also catch on to what the person is saying by using context clues then inferring what the symbol means based on the rest of the text or other form of communication.
People tend to invent new texting words because they need to be somewhere in a hurry and can’t afford to type out the whole word. Also some people have a limited amount of texts and need to cram as many words in one text as possible. One reason I use symbols and other shortened words is it’s just easier, faster, and (as lots of others are) I’m just too lazy to type out the whole word.
I don’t think the English language is dying. English is taught in all schools so it’s obviously not gone from school. Also, it isn’t appropriate at every occasion to use “lol” or “g2g” or another symbol. I think people definitely have a sense of when those kinds of acronyms are appropriate and when they definitely are not.
Lillian Menkens-Weiler
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
I text a great deal. Texting is convenient and shortening words helps you condense your texts. I don't think that it impairs my learning. I am still a good speller and I still enjoy texting and shortening words so that they fit in the text. I think that education can still be effective, even with texting existing. I still don't shorten all words that can be shortened, just a few. I learn the sympols and shortened words from texting people and picking up on the symbols they use.
Duncan Davis
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
Texting is an everyday action in my life. Coordinating with my parents on the go and my siblings about after school activities are easier over text. To get my point quickly across I shorten my words to make it easier. I dont think it impairs my learning too much. There is that occasional essay I have to go back and correct because I spell "you" with the single letter u. I think people invent these new languages because it helps the lazy people. I dont think it effects education in the long run because your going to need to pass English class and you cant use improper txting either with your boss, you have to be more proper.
George McBurney
ReplyDelete5th
When I'm texting I do use texting symbols. While texting I like to shorten words, some of those words include "u" instead of "you", "r" for "are", and "tho" instead of "though". However, when I'm writing I never use any type of texting symbols.
I probably have learned the different various meanings of text through texting my friends and seeing how they use different various shortenings and meanings. Also, from seeing different shortenings and meanings of things being used on other social media sites.
I think people like to use and invent new things for texting because it's easier and when they shorten words it doesn't take as much time. The human race has a tendency to do things that are easier for them that don't cause them to use as much effort. I think without a doubt people will start to stray from the proper English language because they want to find short cuts and take less time to communicate with people. However, in saying that I don't think people will ever totally forget the proper English language, but, it will be used a lot less than it used to be.
Lily Elnaccash
ReplyDelete7th period
I never use texting abbreviations because I don't have a phone and therefore don't text. However, I understand abbreviations if I see them used.
Context clues help when I am trying to figure out what something means; I can also just enter an abbreviation into Google and see what comes up. I remember looking at lists of "words" used in texting several years ago and trying to remember what everything meant. At that point, I was unfamiliar with the language used in texting. Now, I am more accustomed to it.
The sole purpose of texting language and symbols is to shorten phrases and make typing easier on small phone screens. They save time and effort. The symbols are also useful for informal writing with a character limit, such as on Twitter. However, I don't think that they should be used anywhere else. I have never seen anyone write things like "lol" or ":)" at school, but if I did I would be very surprised. I doubt that the use of texting language will lead to people forgetting the English language because it is not seen as an acceptable form of communication in school or at work.
I do use texting abbreviations but it doesn't affect me in learning and knowing how to spell things. When I don't know an abbreviation I just look in Google or ask a friend what that word means. In my perspective I don't think using abbreviations will make people forget the English language because you still learn how to write in school and you can't write abbreviations in a homework assignment because they wont allow that so I don't think this is a major problem.
ReplyDeleteKelly Zhang
ReplyDelete2nd Period
I used to use many abbreviations while texting. I used “u” and “r.” to list some, but now I have changed how I text. I type out those words, and I punctuate and capitalize also. I still use some abbreviations though like “lol,” “idk,” and “jk.” I used to think that using shorthand for texting made things easier and faster. It did make things easier to type, but it was sometimes hard to read and not proper English. It also hindered me in typing. I would accidentally type in texting language. It also does not look that professional to text with texting language.
I use the internet to find out the abbreviations for things that I do not know. I used to not know what “imho” meant, but then I looked it up and found out it means “in my honest opinion.” Some people also have their own acronyms that they use in texting, so I sometimes just ask the person.
I think people like to invent new languages for simplicity and ease. Many think that the texting language is easier and faster. I think the texting language is not that helpful, and I doubt that it will take over and cause people to forget and abandon the proper English language.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCurrent Event 25
ReplyDeleteShomya Mitra
5th Period
I text but I actually don't use the texting language as much as other people who text. My phone has a built in word recommendation function that allows me to select words that I use often. This way typing formally is even easier than using abbreviations and texting languages. Although, emoticons and abbreviations are useful when I want to say something that could be misinterpreted. Not being understood is one of the biggest curses of technology.
When someone uses a texting expression that I don't know I usually just ask my friends what it means. Since I don't use texting language often my questions about expressions are really obvious to my friends. Every now and then though my friends don't know what it is and I will just search on the internet what it is. With symbols, most of them are just faces and they are easy to understand.
The reason why texting language exists is very simple. The language became common because people wanted a shorthand to type on small, inconvenient keyboards. Also, people used to think that texts were billed by the length and not by amount. This caused people to start using abbreviations for their phrases like “brb” (be right back) and possibly the most common abbreviation, "lol". I don't think texting language will ever replace proper English because classrooms and educations teach it. Plus people use pretty good English in speaking so normal English will stay the same for a long time.
Rachel Danner
ReplyDelete7th period
I feel that the origin of the teting shorthand cameabout when texting was a pay-by-character deal. In this case it made sense to shorten your words so that it was cost effective but also comunicated your message. Now, abbreviations are more of a time efficiancy thing, with people using them because they can't be bothered to type out full words. I personally tend to type out my words completely because it is what feels more natural to me. And while I don't think it matters if people shorten "your" to "ur" it does bother me when people mix up "your" and "you're." Maybe I'm crazy and arbitrary but that is what I think. However the whole destorying the English language thing is a bit bogus. Language was developed so that we could communicate more effectively with each other, and all the rules that have sprung up around it are arbitrary and unimportant, as long as the message is conveyed. I guess. But as I'm typing this, I realize how annoyed I get when people say "It's going good," or mix up fewer and less. I guess I'm just as conflicted as anybody.
As for learning the texing language, I guess you just have to experience it. Sometimes my mom makes up these ridiculous initialisms and I don't understand what the heck she's talking about. So maybe this has worsened communication. I don't know. I can't decide about my opion on this topic and it is frustrating me so I'm going to stop now.
Ashley Yang
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
I text a lot and I use many of the shortcut texting symbols a lot too. For example, I uses g2g or brb. This makes it a lot easier and faster because it takes longer to write it out. Since most people understand what you mean by these short symbols, it makes them easier and much shorter to use. Sometimes there is no point in shortening words but sometimes with longer phrases such as," be right back," brb makes sense because there is always less error. Sometimes when I text especially on smaller keyboards I might make a mistake and make it even harder for the person receiving my text to understand. With simple shortcuts like brb its highly unlikely that I will make a mistake and have to retype the word.
I am not actually sure how I learned these texting symbols. Some of them just came to me the first time i saw them, and frankly I don't remember much when I first started using them. They sort of just became a part of life. Sometimes I might have to ask what a certain symbol means, but most of the time I can figure it out within the context.
I think people invent texting language because its faster or "easier." Also, since it's not in english class, it seems like grammar doesn't matter. I can say that sometimes when I write I accidentally use texting language like accidently using ur instead of your. I don't think this is killing the english language because in a way its increasing the amount of words. Its also not like we are forgetting the english language, I think we can use both the texting language and keep the english language. I think people are doing fine texting.
Alex Parks
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
5-3-13
I text but I actually don't use the texting language as much as other people who text. My phone has a built in word recommendation function that allows me to select words that I use often. This way typing formally is even easier than using abbreviations and texting languages. Although, emoticons and abbreviations are useful when I want to say something that could be misinterpreted. Not being understood is one of the biggest curses of technology.
When someone uses a texting expression that I don't know I usually just ask my friends what it means. Since I don't use texting language often my questions about expressions are really obvious to my friends. Every now and then though my friends don't know what it is and I will just search on the internet what it is. With symbols, most of them are just faces and they are easy to understand.
The reason why texting language exists is very simple. The language became common because people wanted a shorthand to type on small, inconvenient keyboards. Also, people used to think that texts were billed by the length and not by amount. This caused people to start using abbreviations for their phrases like “brb” (be right back) and possibly the most common abbreviation, "lol". I don't think texting language will ever replace proper English because classrooms and educations teach it. Plus people use pretty good English in speaking so normal English will stay the same for a long time.
Keith Segars
ReplyDeletePD 2
I do text and use texting lingo a lot when texting friends. I use slang like g2g and LMAO because it would seem strange to write it out and with a cell phone keyboard it is more annoying to type out whole phrases so by shortening commonly used phrases it helps. I also use this language to reply back faster.
I learn these new symbols the most probably through Facebook or twitter when someone says something using text language and I use common sense to figure it out occasionally I will have someone text me through text language and not recognize a new slang and have to ask them what the meaning is
I think that people invent new text shorthand so that texting on the smaller keyboard is easier. But also because to a new generation a new language is our thing and it is cool to have that I think that there will never be a mix up between regular language and texting language for most there is a definite barrier between English class and texting with friends that will never be breached
Nathan Guskiewicz
ReplyDeleteI barley utilize the various texting symbols and language to communicate with people within my phone messages. When I text, I usually spell everything out, writing in the proper English language. But, I do use the abbreviation for explaining that I am laughing.
I go about learning the various meanings of different texting symbols and phrases used in text messaging but finding them out from people who text me. I also will learn the new ways through looking at how my friends amigos text.
I think people like to invent new languages such as texting because it is quicker and easier to type when you are texting. People are getting lazier these days so they are looking for any way to make little things easier and less complicated. And the new texting language will lead to people forgetting and/or abandoning the proper English language, I think, because, when people use this language too often, they will start using it when talking, and soon all the time. This will cause them to forget about the English language they once new, which is the proper and correct English version.
Noah Miller Johnson
ReplyDeletePeriod-1
I rarely use texting and when I do use it it is to convey something that is could be quickly conveyed and read at a later time, a short email. I frequently use abbreviations because they make it easier to type and can better convey my message
You learn the language of texting the same way you learn any other language. You learn it by listening to it an using it. I wasn’t born knowing every word therefore I don’t know every “word” in the texting language. Languages evolve and in some cases they make a new language. Comparing 16th century english to modern english comes up with some striking differences but you can’t say that one is right or one is wrong, they are just different.
People use new languages so they can communicate. People learn how to text for the same reason they learn French or Spanish or Chines or Japanese or Korean or sign language. They learn it so that they can communicate effectively with some one that they can’t communicate with as well now. I can convey my meaning through body gestures without the use of the english language but it takes a long time and may not be very accurate. The same thing is true of texting, if I use complete sentences with proper grammar then people will understand me but it will take longer and I may not communicate the exact message because words confer different meanings when used while texting.
Emily Ball
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
5/3/2012
For me I tend to use shortened words when I text. Like sometimes instead of saying “you” I will say “u” it has really became a habit for teenagers. But when I normally text it is not 100% slang I try to maintain my use of proper English even if the majority of teenagers are starting to use slang terms while texting. If I am not texting I don’t use shortened symbols at all I write formally.
I think that people learn to abbreviate terms while texting from peers. When they see a term like “LOL” they think it is trending at the time and wants to use it as well. From there it just becomes universal because almost every teenager is texting each other now a days.
I think people like to invent these languages because it just makes life easier for the writer in stead of saying “laugh out loud” they can just say “LOL” instead of saying “I don’t care” they can just say ”IDK.” People are turning to the less time consuming actions and it is getting popular to save time. I don’t think slang texting language will over take the English language but it will definitely continue to be used. School is meant to learn how to read and write properly and citizens will continue to write that way unless they are texting.
Annelise ter Horst
ReplyDelete7th
I do use texting symbols and language for texting but I do not use it in everyday writing. I have felt compelled to use these abbreviations for everyday writing before when I have written notes down, but I realize that is going to affect my writing even more so. I even try to restrain myself from using those phrases in any texts.
I usually find them out by my friends or on the internet, but I usually already know what the symbols mean already.
I believe that some people will totally lose their language and that some people will keep in touch with it no matter what their use of ‘textual’ language. I think it just has to do with the amount of education you have and how much you use that education everyday. Even though some people will have not lost their language, I think that this test symbol stuff is still problem and should be dialed back.
Nikki Thai
ReplyDelete5/3/12
1st Period
I do typically use the so-called, "text language" in my messages. A majority of my in-proper use of english are replacing words such as "you" and "are" with the actually letters "u" and "r". I also use abbreviations for many phrases. Such as "brb", "lol", "ttyl", etc. My messages also consist of a bunch of made up words.
Some things just come naturally, as we eventually realize that they're is a shorter and/or faster way of saying certains words/phrases. Many abbreviations though, for me at least, came from social media around me. Whether it's hearing it on the television or through a song/radio. It also spreads through people, once one person may begin texting you the phrase, you of course, begin to use that phrase as well.
I don't think we will every abandon the english language, although it does have an affect on the way we write sometimes. The "texting language" is just an easier and more convenient way of communicating when you're in a rush(in some cases). We can never forget our own language though as we advance through time our language is like to advance along with us; but through a slow process.
Emily Chang
ReplyDeletePd. 1
I do use "text language" in my messages, mostly because it is more convenient. To make conversations seem more like "real time", we abbreviate so we don't spend forever typing. These symbols and abbreviations are only in my messaging vocabulary though, not really in anything else.
Some of the abbreviations just come naturally. We find a shorter way to represent a word that has the same sound and put the two together. It makes sense. Other abbreviations come from the media and our peers. There are some "popular" phrases that are abbreviated while others are not and we can only know the difference through usage and just by looking them up.
I don't think we will lose our language through this practice however. No matter how many abbreviations we acquire, we will always have to know what they stand for. Maybe our spelling will be slightly affected, but overall I don't think there will be much impact.
Harish Prasad
ReplyDelete5-1-13
Period 5
Current Event #25
I do use texting language to text my friends, but when I am sending a letter or an email to a teacher, I use normal English. I will only texting language when I am texting my friends, and I will say things like “g2g” when I have to go. I will also say “brb” for be right back, and a lot of other ones. The texting language is very convenient for me when I text my friends because it is a shorter and faster way to text someone. I only use the texting language when I am texting my friends but when I never use it on a school assignment or when I am sending an email.
I learn different texting symbols when I am texting my friends and family and from common knowledge. I already know some of the language because of common language like “brb.” Also, if someone sends me a message and I don’t know what it means, I will look it up and find out what it means.
I think people use different languages because if we text and use regular English, then it will take longer to send a message. So because of this, people invent a language that will make texting and chatting online faster. I do not think that people will abandon the English language because of texting language because it is just a way of typing faster when typing and texting, I have never heard anybody talk like that. Most people use regular English when they talk and use texting language when they are typing to each other on some kind of electronic device. While texting language may become more common in messaging, formal writing will always be taught and have its place in society.
David Cho
ReplyDelete2nd Period
Yes, i use various texting symbols and phrases such as "lol" and "ttyl". I can communicate both ways and it won't lead to any problems about me messing up with the English language. The texting language is many about writing as fast as you can, so that's why words like "hbu" have became popular.
I mainly learned the texting language from my friends that I text. The very old and popular phrases such as "lol" I knew for a while, but the new phrases like "smh" I mainly learned from my friends.
People like creating new phrases because it makes texting faster and less clicking. I don't think texting will make people forget the English language because school and texting are two different modes in the brain so your brain knows when to use which.
Rebecca Harless
ReplyDeleteMarch 3, 2013
Period 5
I do use various texting symbols and language to communicate with people in my phone’s text messages, and also in informal writing I do. Such an example would be the ever-lovable smiley face ( [oh look, Word put it in for me]), which I use not only to mean that I am happy, but also to express my thoughts on something funny, or even just to put something there. In truth, texting without abbreviations (like “c u l8r”), symbols, and even the annoying cliché of a text (like “jk lol”) is like I’m not texting at all. Instead, it feels more formal. I use texting for informal things, like telling someone when to pick me up.
The first times I texted I did not use special symbols or words because I did not need to do so. However, because I didn’t want to take the time to write out every single letter, I started abbreviating and contracting words. That started my descent into incomplete sentences with missing punctuation. Then, with many of my friends doing the same things I was doing, except being better at it, I began to learn from them what words like “nmjc” meant by them both telling me and my figuring it out. After hearing that “nmjc” was used as an acronym for “nothing much just chillin,’” I started figuring out that other words were acronyms for semi-complete thoughts. From there, with the occasional asking, I figured out what other acronyms stood for. As for symbols, we’ve all grown up with symbols, so the ones that I am most used to in texting are the ones that I already knew.
To the first part of your question, I think that people like to invent new languages because it excludes us from the rest and makes us different if we can speak something, or write something, that no one else can. Nevertheless, I think that texting grew out of the old necessity to not use up space, when every letter you typed cost you. Still, with the texting fad becoming something much more permanent in our electronic communications, I think that texting is now at the place where it can be whatever, let’s say, a teenager wants to say, and he or she will send it, and the receiver will understand what the author says, even if there is something new. I think this is because, from texting often, teenagers set their mind in the sender’s and figure out what the sender wanted to say. As for the second part of your question, THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE HAS ALREADY HAD TONS OF TRANSFORMATIONS. From dialects to slang to adopted words to colloquial sayings, the English language has been put through a metaphysical blender throughout generations. However, texting seems different to me. Texting seems, although it does use the English language, to be a different type of language, not really marring the English language because texting is kind of like the written version of colloquial English, which already mars. I think that since most of us know already how to write properly, and we choose to write improperly within texts, then we still know where to use what language. As long as we have English class and the writing of great authors, I do not think the proper English language and its written companion will be forgotten. Maybe proper English will be abandoned when we speak it, but when we have to write formally, I think our generation and others will be fine with proper English.
Johnny Huang
ReplyDelete5th Period
Yes, I do use many abbreviations and symbols. I use them to shorten whatever I type to make my life easier and to type it faster. These abbreviations and symbols like "lol" and emoticons are understood nowadays by our generations and most of our parents' generations too.
I learnt it from other people, which is the way that most people learnt it. Learning this is important because it will make texting and reading texts a ton faster and easier.
I do not think that we created this language as a replacement for English, but an extension (or reduction depending on the way you think about it). It was created to make it easier for communication via technology, and is common among many people now.
Sanjana Vasudevan
ReplyDeleteI use texting slang such as lol and haha. I don't write letters to people, but when if I send an email to a friend I might use this slang. However, I only use slang in informal situations. I learn new phrases from talking to different people, who get the phrases from others. The phrases spread that way. I think the texting "language" was made from the necessity of typing fast. Its hard to type long words accurately on a tiny keyboard. I don't think our spoken language is going to change because it would be stupid if we spelled things out like saying "LOL" instead of just laughing. I don't think our formal writing will change anytime in the foreseeable future. However, if our language does change it will just be another evolution such as our removal of words like "thee" and "thou" from our use.
Valeria Campos-Diaz
ReplyDelete1st period 5/3/13
Yes, i do use the various texting symbols and abbreviations that are typically used. In class however i do not because i know better than to do that. I can communicate both ways and i understand and comprehend both. I say thinks like "lol" or "omg". Even simple things like instead of writing "are" out i just type "r". I don't think we are abandoning our language first off. If i learn to speak klinong that doesn't mean that i am going to start talking constantly and writing all of my school papers that way. I do however thank that spelling is becoming a bigger issue sue to auto-correct. I have never been a good speller and lets face it, most of the words in this paper have been auto-corrected for me. I think people like to event it because simply people are lazy, i mean, why write out "because" when you can just write out "bcuz"?
Vanessa Campos-Diaz
ReplyDeleteperiod 7
For me I tend to use shortened words when I text. Like sometimes instead of saying “you” I will say “u” it has really became a habit for teenagers. But when I normally text it is not 100% slang I try to maintain my use of proper English even if the majority of teenagers are starting to use slang terms while texting. If I am not texting I don’t use shortened symbols at all I write formally.
I think that people learn to abbreviate terms while texting from peers. When they see a term like “LOL” they think it is trending at the time and wants to use it as well. From there it just becomes universal because almost every teenager is texting each other now a days.
I think people like to invent these languages because it just makes life easier for the writer in stead of saying “laugh out loud” they can just say “LOL” instead of saying “I don’t care” they can just say ”IDK.” People are turning to the less time consuming actions and it is getting popular to save time. I don’t think slang texting language will over take the English language but it will definitely continue to be used. School is meant to learn how to read and write properly and citizens will continue to write that way unless they are texting.
Jeff Richardson
ReplyDelete1st Period
Contrary to popular practice, I prefer to spell my words out like a NORMAL PERSON. There are many faux pas one can commit while messaging via text. Some examples of shortened words include “u” as a substitute for “you;” “r” for “are;” and “tho for “though;” If you ask my opinion about it (not that anyone ever does), I would simply rather not text at all. Texting is a crutch for those of us who are incapable on carrying out a conversation with another human being TO THEIR FACE.
As the saying goes: "Practice makes perfect." In this case the subject is practicing the work of the devil (texting). In doing so, said subject is able to pick up various forms of abbreviations, further expanding his/her anti-social vocabulary. They will then go on to spread the new-found information to all of their friends (if they have any). While they are lost in their virtual world of "kool" with a "k", everyone that they ever knew and loved are moving on and simply accepting the fact that these two are now zombies.
I think the idea that texting could just push the english language out of our society is so untrue it's not even question worth asking. What we are dealing with her are two groups of people. Those who are smart, have emotions, and express those emotions through interacting with other people tend to use proper english. The others (you know who you are) would rather devote their attention to screen, spending the rest of their miserable lives waiting for a response that won't come. The schism between these two groups of people will grow larger until World War Three breaks out. Im Jeff Richardson and thanks for tuning in. Stay classy Corey Waters.
ReplyDeleteWenbo Wang
ReplyDelete4/3/13
Period 2
1. Although the unique language used in texting can be convenient in conveying reason and emotions as stated in the article, other than “emoticons” such as “=)” for a positive expression as an example, I do not use texting symbols. However, conversations done within texting or messaging programs are usually more casual than the written work of a writing utensil and booklet, or a typed paper. The latter forms of writing are usually more concrete and structured, to better express one’s self.
2. I usually read the sentence surrounding the symbol to understand its meaning, unless when I am naïve; that’s when I rely on internet sources to understand its symbolic value.
3. Perhaps due to the forever advancements of technology, and the new outlook at life is what convinces people to invent a new language, or anything new in general. The new forms of communication might alter the original English language, but not too drastically. Formal writing is still required in studies, but past examples of word simplification (donuts) might foreshadow a possibly similar effect due to texting.
Robert Fernald
ReplyDelete1st period
5/3/2013
I use various texting symbols and language while communicating with my friends, but never in everyday writing. I learn texting phrases because most of them are obvious and either they are common knowledge or I find out what they mean when others text me. People like to invent knew languages such as the texting one to make it more convenient form people. Texting is just abbreviating English words to make typing them faster and more efficient. I do not think that texting will lead to people forgetting or abandoning the proper English language because everyone still remembers the full meaning behind the abbreviations. Also texting language is not a formal way of communicating so it can only be used in situations where you are communicating with people like friends or family.
Bobby Russell
ReplyDelete5th period
1. I do not use texting symnols when I text or write for classes. I do not think it takes any more time to just spell it out when you are texting and I personally think that it is very annoying when people do it. Sometimes when people abreviate too much it causes confusion which is why I do not do it.
2. If I dont know waht something means in a text I just try to use context clues when I read it. I dont want to have to ask the person what they meant because I dont want to look stupid.
3. People do use these symbols because they think it is faster. Also when you use these symbols it is easy to read to some people. I dont think it will change the English language though because when people talk you cant hear the differences and if peopole were to write a paper using these symbols then they would get an F on that paper.
In my opinion texting is taking over the english language because sometimes during a text they don't write the complete word and have different type of symbols. I personally don't use symbols but sometimes i do shortcut on words For example, I uses g2g or brb. This makes it a lot easier and faster because it takes longer to write it out. Since most people understand what you mean by these short symbols, it makes them easier and much shorter to use. But i usually just write the word complety
ReplyDeleteI usually read the sentence surrounding the symbol to understand its meaning or the simple or short cut of the word.
Current event #25
ReplyDeleteAnna Zurliene
7th period
I use many of the texting symbols to communicate with people in my messages because it is fast and efficient. I also don’t even write the word the correct way even if I don’t want to abbreviate it or put it in “text message form” because I have auto correct on my phone, which usually does all the work for me. I use words like tomoro for tomorrow, wbu as what about you, k as okay, idk as I don’t know, and wuu2 as what are you up to. I use many more texting symbols just as most teens these days do.
To find out the meaning of some text symbols or phrases I usually just try and put it in context of what we or talking about or connect it with any words that I hear in every day language because people I talk to don’t usually shorten words that are used to describe something they are talking about or words that we don’t usually talk about all that often. If I really cant figure it out I often just ask the person who sent the text to me what it meant.
People invented the texting language because we need to be able to get information to people fast and shortening words while texting is an easy way to do that. I think that it is an exaggeration that we are losing the English language through texting. It isn’t so bad right now, at least in my case, but I can see it sometime in the future leading to some deterioration of the English language because it will probably become more of a vernacular.
1. I do use texting language. However, I reserve the use of it for my texting and online communication with friends. In class/assignments, I will always spell out the full word and never use abbreviations/txt talk. This does not save much time, and also can earn you get a bad grade.
ReplyDelete2. I learn different texting phrases by common knowledge and through the chats I receive from others. I think by now, some texting/chat phrases are common knowledge, like "lol" and using "r" instead of are. Its generally assumed that when a person receives a text, they will read it phonetically.
3. People use symbols because it is a shortcut way to reply faster, although I don't really see a point in doing so, as if the person does not understand, a new text is required to explain the previous one. Saving a couple seconds is really unnecessary. I don't think it will change the English language, but who knows? It might in a couple years as the American english budded away from British english, and soon it might be 2 separate languages.
Alexis Ramirez
ReplyDeleteHonors World History
1st period
I do use the abbreviations, but only when I text. I do not use it when I write an essay, its not just right. I don't use it very much because lets say, if I do then my it can affect my writing and the I communicate with my friends and people. The way I learned it is that some of my friends would text message this and that, but what I would do is just search it up online. In today's society people like to create new abbreviations, because it quicker and easy to click on the phones. But what I think that in the next years English will change and we people will use more technology to create more text abbreviations.
Mary Louise Callaghan
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm texting I do use texting symbols. While texting I like to shorten words, some of those words include "u" instead of "you", "ur"for "your", and "tho" instead of "though". However, when I'm writing I never use any type of texting abbreviations.
Most of the phrases used in texting I already know. However, once in awhile a new phrase comes up. I either ask the person who sent it to me what it means, or I google it. I don't really believe that the texting speech will lead to abandoning proper English. I do believe that in the world we are growing up in that will inevitably happen anyways. In texting, messages are shorter and to the point- so it takes a shorter time to respond. But in writing it is important to look educated.
Sam Nielsen
ReplyDelete1st Period
I do often use abbreviations when talking with friends online, however I do not use it for anything where grammar is important, such as a school assignment. Replacing words like 'you' with 'u' just makes chatting on a computer much more simple and easy, though I don't use texting shortcuts for most things, even those outside of school. For example, when typing a comment on youtube, or some other similar site, I try to use correct grammar as it prevents any misunderstanding in the comment. The one place I find abbreviations to be necessary is when I am playing any type of multiplayer game online. Using abbreviations allows one to communicate with others far faster than when using correct grammar.
I find that, for the most part, one can find out what acronyms and whatnot stand for just by seeing them in a certain context very often. If it really confuses you, then you can just ask someone what it means, though this usually isn't necessary.
The only real reason people alter language when texting is that it's easier and faster. Texting essentially replaces normal talking on the phone, and so people will want it to be just as fast as talking. To make this so, they will take as many shortcuts as possible. I highly doubt that this will alter the english language, as no one in their right mind would right a book, essay, resume, research paper etc. like this. Also, people will not start saying everything in acronyms (at least I hope they won't) and thus, the speaking part of English will not really be affected.
Connor Korfas
ReplyDeletewater
1st period
I do not use texting symnols when I text or write for classes. I do not think it takes any more time to just spell it out when you are texting and I personally think that it is very annoying when people do it. Sometimes when people abreviate too much it causes confusion which is why I do not do it. Also it is sometimes confusing the message that is trying to be displayed.
If I dont know what something means in a text I just try to use context clues when I read it. If I then can't figure it out I ask the person.
People do use these symbols because they think it is faster. Also when you use these symbols it is easy to read to some people. I don't think it will change the English language. If anything it is adding on to the englesh language. It is giving our language a whole other dialect.
Period 2
DeleteI almost never use text abbreviations in normal speech. I also never write them because they are very casual and not appropriate for school papers. Most of the time it is not even easier to say them, just type them. Every now and them I might use one such as "lol", but only jokingly.
Most of the abbreviations I learned, I learned by asking one of my friends. The would use one and I would ask what it means. I most definitely have not created any.
I think the reason people invent new languages is to better suit their times. And although text language might be destroying our current English language, it is the future of the English language. If not for the evolution of languages we would still be speaking Shakespearian English which is just ridiculously complicated. So I'm glad that the English language is changing, because it is probably changing for the better.
nick Agusta
ReplyDeleteI never use texting symbols when i am communicating with people. I feel that texting symbols are honestly really stupid.
If there is a certain symbol that I don't recognize i will normally ask a friend that does use the symbols.
I think the reason for people inenting new symbols is to save time, or start a trend.
In normal speech I almost never use "texting language". Also I never use them in my writing because they look pretty unprofessional.
ReplyDeleteThe only instance where I use these abbreviations is when I am texting with someone because it is often harder to type on phones.
If there is an abbreviation that I don't know I just use context clues, and after a while I will eventually figure it out. Also some of the abbreviations are pretty obvious.
I think that in no way it is the future of the English language. Not to mention if it is, is it really a bad thing? Languages evolve over time, and contrary to popular belief change is not terrible.
Kaitlin Hill
ReplyDelete2nd Period
So I had an awesome response that got deleted, I have not had internet accesse all week so that's why I am late in getting this done. Personally, I think its stupid to shorten already short words and use symbols in texting. I don't do it and the only abbreviation my friends use is "lol." I think now that more and more people are getting smart phones, less people will abbreviate. or at least that has been my experience. I don't think that the English language will ever dissaper or is in any danger or being forgotten by today's youth. those of us who chose to make up their own language will continue to do so and the rest of us will use English like normal people.
Blake Johnson
ReplyDelete5/3/13
Current Event 2nd period
I don’t usually use texting language in everyday writing or speaking. I do use it when I text though. I use abbreviations like “evry1” for everyone. This language I only use for texting or instant communication. I don’t use it in writing.
I learned the various symbols and short hand simply by experience. I see other people use them and figure out what they mean and then I might use them when texting.
I think texting could at some point deteriorate the English language. I think this could happen if a person texts a lot and using texting language and doesn’t write very often using proper grammar. But if you are in school writing papers using proper grammar and you use texting language, I don’t think that type of person would add to the deterioration of the English language.
McKenna Willoughby
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
5/3/13
I do use various texting symbols throughout the day, but I do not use them in my writing. I usually use phrases like “txt”for text, “u” for you, and “r” for are, but I rarely use LOL, g2g, and brb. Once in awhile I will accidently write the letter “u” instead of writing “you” in my writings, but I usually find my mistake in time to correct it. In everyday writing, I always use full and professional, complete sentences.
I learn the various meanings of texting symbols and phrases from my friends and online. When I am texting my friends, they will sometimes text a symbol that I do not understand. When this happens, I will either ask them what it means or I will look it up online. If the symbol seems easier to me than writing out the word, then I will use that symbol more.
In my opinion, I think that people invented text language to make communication with others faster and easier. Through texting, our ideas and opinions can spread much faster that spoken word. I do not think that the new texting language will lead to people abandoning the proper English language though. Proper English will always be taught in school.
For some reason my response didn't go through on Friday, so I am copy and pasting it again now. Sorry!
ReplyDelete5/3/13
Period 2
Sometimes, yes I do. If I do it's normally a small amount of abbreviated text, only if I'm in a hurry normally. Sometimes I'll use "lol" if I think something someone says is funny, or if I'm in a hurry I'll use "u" for "you" or "r" for "are" but also never do I do that.
Most of the time I can just use context clues to figure a phrase out, but if I really can't, then I'll just ask whoever said it what it means. Or I'll ask one of my friends too if I don't know it.
Sometimes when you are in a rush it's nice because it can take a little less time. But most of the time you really shouldn't need it. People might do it to save time, and effort, or to emphasize a point maybe.
Emma Baldwin
ReplyDelete5.7.13
Period 7
1. While I don’t use various texting symbols in writing or speaking, I do use abbreviations in texts, like “idk” for “I don’t know” and “k” for “okay”. Texts are used to convey information between distant people in an easier way, so of course abbreviations are often used. Of course, I do sometimes use abbreviations in speaking--for example, my friends and I have gotten into the habit of saying “large canvas bags” instead of “totes,” short for “totally.” I would never use such abbreviations in essays or any written work, or when speaking to adults.
2. Most abbreviations are intuitive: “u”for “you”, for example. Others are picked up by seeing them in use--one of my friends always texts me “ygg” and for a long time I wasn’t sure what it meant. Sometimes my mom will ask me to help her create/decode various abbreviations in texts between her and her friends, but she does it more for fun than for necessity. If you don’t understand what a particular symbol means, you can always ask the person who sent it to you.
3. People like to “invent” “new languages” such as texting because it makes communication more efficient. The friends with whom I exchange texts on a regular basis all live very far away from me--the closest one is four hours away. We are often put in situations when we have a whole day’s worth of information to share but we are limited in time or space, and thus we employ abbreviations and symbols. I think that such abbreviations have a better place in texting than in online messaging, because one rarely types essays with only one’s thumbs, but the similarities between online messaging and essay writing--typing--can lead to mistakes inappropriate for that circumstance. I highly doubt that this language will result in the abandonment of the proper English language as long as people are consciously making a choice between the two styles of language.
Erica Johnson
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
1) Sometimes, I use texting abbreviations, such as “r” instead of “are”, or “u” instead of “you”. I would also use “omg” or “lol” if something is funny, but not acronyms that don’t stand for anything that would be easily understood.
2) Usually the common phrases that are used in texting my friends also sue, so I learn from them. In most messages of you don’t understand what the word means you can just use contect clues. I also learn from various social media websites, such as facebook or instagram.
3) I think that with the more technological society emerging, it just makes sense to use abbreviated words and phrases. Of course, since people are usually typing and such on social media websites, it is easier to make well-known abbreviations to shorten the typing while people can still understand you.
Takoda Ren
ReplyDelete2nd
2) I don't even have a phone that can text with convenience, I do not think this applies to me.
3) See above.
I don't think the texting is really affecting the English language at all. Proper words are always going to be taught in school and used while working for a job. The language may change, but no one will ever speak in text during a formal situation. Think of an anniversary, saying "i hate u honey, jk, lol, XD". People wouldn't last in society for a second.
Jacob Engel
ReplyDelete7th
I use many of the texting symbols to communicate with people in my messages because it is fast and efficient. I also don’t even write the word the correct way even if I don’t want to abbreviate it or put it in “text message form” because I have auto correct on my phone, which usually does all the work for me. I use words like tomoro for tomorrow, wbu as what about you, k as okay, idk as I don’t know, and wuu2 as what are you up to. I use many more texting symbols just as most teens these days do.
I find that, for the most part, one can find out what acronyms and whatnot stand for just by seeing them in a certain context very often. If it really confuses you, then you can just ask someone what it means, though this usually isn't necessary.
People do use these symbols because they think it is faster. Also when you use these symbols it is easy to read to some people. I don't think it will change the English language. If anything it is adding on to the englesh language. It is giving our language a whole other dialect.
I rarely use texting and when I do use it it is to convey something that is could be quickly conveyed and read at a later time, a short email. I frequently use abbreviations because they make it easier to type and can better convey my message.
ReplyDeleteI learn the various symbols and acronyms to use from just catching on. In the texting age of today you kind of need to know all of the symbols or you won’t be able to understand what your friends are saying. You can also catch on to what the person is saying by using context clues then inferring what the symbol means based on the rest of the text or other form of communication.
People are lazy. No one wants to write any word longer than 2 letters, as they provide massive strain to the thumbs and forefingers. Not only are abbreviations faster, they also serve as a way to rest the hand. This evolution of language is natural, and we should accept that this is how english will change.
*absent and hadn't got caught up until now*
ReplyDeleteSydney Bumgardner
5th pd
Yeah, I use lol or idk while texting but not while writing or talking normally. It's just easier using certain abbreviations rather than having to spell out a word. I don't use many or else it just looks stupid and tacky, though.
There's no real way to learn what abbreviations to use, you just find out. It's kind of obvious to some of the abbreviations and the rest, you just get the hang of it.
No, the new texting language will definitely not replace the english language, that's a stupid question. There is no real texting language, anyway. Yeah, people are lazy and don't feel like typing a huge word, so they abbreviate it and it becomes part of the 'texting language'. I think it's stupid, really.
mr waters-
ReplyDeletejust reminding you that I should receive full credit because i didn't realize this current event had not posted (our computers have been down all week) until you updated engrade. Thanks!
Claire Lancaster
1st period
5/2/13
Mr. Waters
1) I don’t really use abbreviations like “LOL” or “OMG” very much. I don’t really see the need, so I just type out whatever I want to say. If I’m really rushing through a text then maybe I will use something like “ASAP”.
2) I usually can just figure it out or if its something I cant figure out I’ll ask one of my friends.
3) Well, the whole reason for the “texting language” is because it’s convenient. There’s really no other reason for people to use it. I doubt it will lead to replacing words in the English language.