txt-ing can cre8 bad ritin?
Per our conversation in class a few weeks ago regarding the proliferation of text language and the decline of formal writing, I direct you to this Boston Globe article published last week. Our tchaz will appreciate us more after reading this! Not gonna lie, it was actually a little difficult to read. I had some trouble with “pnktu8n.”
What I find most baffling is the result of a national study on the Internet and American Life by the College Board and Pew Project stating that 64% of the teenagers admitted to using Textlish (as it is being called) in their school writing. That is horrible! Though kids are now writing more frequently, the article mentions grammer is bad, spelling is incorrect, and punctuation is not even used at all.
Maybe as a class we should initiate a online viral campaign for the preservation of formal, educational writing. It could be a cool experiment. Thoughts?
-Corey
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4 Comments, Comment or Ping
s. eliza funk
I really like this story.
I am curious how the decision was made in the newsroom to go with such a clever gimmick. From my experience, there is a lot of apprehension and descent surrounding such endeavors in old media.
My money says that a few copy editors shed a tear or two when this story made it to their desks.
May 5th, 2008
southcb
OMG, WOTS OLD S NEW. I M LOL! I VH8 2 SAY IT, BUT C-D-B SPK HAS BEEN ROUND 4EVR. CIO: C D B? D B S A BZ B. R, S D B A LSBN?
NALOPKT. IBCNU!
Posted (painfully) by Bonnie
May 5th, 2008
Yu-Lan
In my country, young kids type “88″ when they say “goodbye” online. “DD” means “little brother”, “MM” means “little sister”, they call it “”Mars language” or “Marsian”. And this “trend” has annoyed lots of “old people” who still uses “old language”. Unfortunately, I am one of the “old people” and I think they are abusing people from Mars.
Textlish not only kills the language skill, lower both writing and reading ability, eventually it might simplifies a culture in a negative way.
I hope school teachers, company supervisors, can take this issue seriously. It is OK if people want to save their words on cellphones, but when it comes to real writing, even on IM, textlish should be banned. “CUZ “there are still some old stuff from the “old world” shouldn’t be changed by the cool communication technology.
May 6th, 2008
Annie
I’m not a huge support of “Textlish”, but I will play devil’s advocate because getting rid of it is not the solution.
I agree – that young adults do need to learn proper grammar and spelling, because if they are going to learn the English language, they better learn it right. Not only is it a disgrace for our country, but it reduces their credibility with employers, networks, sometimes even family and friends.
I don’t agree – that “Textlish” should be banned. I think that there needs to be some kind of “language etiquette” – kind of like the golden rules or common senses that has been set in society. I don’t mind when someone uses “ttyl” or “cuz” when instant messaging or texting, because it is part of the culture. For lack of a better analogy, it’s kind of like strip clubs. Most people look down on the idea of regular visit to strip clubs, but it is an exception for bachlor/bachlorette parties. It’s part of a culture.
On a lighter note, great job to Bonnie on her note. LOL (sorry couldn’t help it).
May 7th, 2008
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