NO, THAT headlinewas not written by a five-year-old. Unfortunately is an exampleof what is now known as text-speak. Text-speak, which incorporates numbers like "2" and "4" as words and uses abbreviations like "brb" for "be right back," "lol" for "laughing out loud" and "btw" for "by the way," has created somewhat of a division between those who claim that texting is seriously damaging the English language and those who think the texting craze will in no way affect proper writing or speech. Contrary to what these people think, however, texting has reached the point where it is overtaking English.
Next year, for example, New Zealand high school students will be able to use this text-speak in national exams. According to an article on CNN.com, New Zealand's Qualifications Authority said that credit will be given if the answer shows understanding of the material, regardless of whether it contains these abbreviations or not.
"I think teenagers have always tried to develop exclusive slang or sub-cultural language to differ from their parents. I don't see this as particularly different," says Sociology Prof. Sarah Corse
Although this is certainly true, the thought of texting being accepted in academic compositions is appalling. This interest in texting, however, has been growing for some time now.
In 2004, Chinese author Qian Fuchang cut down his novel, "Outside the Fortress Besieged," into small text message chunks to be distributed as 60 chapters of 70 characters each. The novel, whose rights sold for 180,000 Yuan ($14,600), can be received through text-messages or phone users can choose to have it read to them over the phone.
"Culture evolves and as it does, so does language. Because our culture is technologically based it makes sense that our language would become that way too. If people from the Elizabethan era heard us speak they would think we were butchering the English language anyways," says first-year Traci Kelly.
"Text messaging overall is a great way to get in touch with people, especially if they are in a place where they can't easily answer their phone," admits University student Josh Lesko. "But the obsession with this new language created by texters is completely ridiculous. I don't understand what the fascination with it is."
The Chinese, however, are not the only ones exploring the field of literature and instant-messaging. Lauren Myracle's breakout success came with the publication of ttyl (translated to "talk to you later"), the first novel ever written entirely in instant messages. Both "ttyl" and its sequel, "ttfn" ("Ta Ta For Now"), are New York Times best-sellers, and the third book in the series, "l8r, g8r" ("later, gator") is due out next spring.
"I've gotten in my students' stories around five or six that incorporate instant-messaging," adds William Boast, who teaches fiction writing at the University.
Corse, however, doesn't think this is reason to worry. "The apocalypse is upon us yet again," she jokes. "Read what people said in the 1920's about jazz or Ivy League colleges dropping Latin translation from the entrance exams."
While it may be true that texting has not reached an apocalyptic level, it is certainly on its way. According to a New York Times article, Cingular Wireless will be holding a series of "texting bees" for parents next year -- a sort of spelling-bee of abbreviations created in an effort to bridge the gap between teenagers and their parents. By teaching parents teenage slang, Cingular argues in the article, they will help parents get to know their sons and daughters. The campaign, which was undoubtedly created to boost sales, fails to address the real problem: the damage this is causing to our language and our day to day interactions.
"The texting phenomenon is a reflection of how people relate to each other in this day and age," agrees University student Andre Grimes. What does it say about us as a society, however, if we have been reduced to reading, writing and even speaking like kindergarteners?
"I use OMG sometimes when I'm talking out loud," admits Kelly.
Text-speech is slowly creeping into our language: into our books, our oral speech and our schools. It is possible to keep both separate and functional, but not if it keeps on being encouraged by the very institutions that should veto its use. Aftr all, y wud u wnt 2 dum dwn ur own lnguage?
Andrea Arango is a Cavalier Daily columnist. She can be reached at aarango@cavalieradaily.com.
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