To state the obvious, history has shown that we did not all start out the same. The means to communicate and travel have become easier. It seems only natural that we have a standard way of exchanging information so we can all get it done, communicating that is.
However, who is to dictate the standards? If we stay with a more traditional/formal communication style then we start restricting creative flow? I wonder if the unknown author of Beowulf would insist that we standardize our communication in Old English? Perhaps E.E. Cummings would say we stop wasting our time with the caps lock key? Would a journalist report that we need to be brief, be bright, and be gone and if so should we be teasing each other with a snippet only to have us wait for 11pm?
Are we adapting and evolving our language? It makes me wonder what groups of free thinkers were struggling with when they sat around trying to standardize smoke signals or the mores code? Is there a magic fix to standardizing social media communication or is the subject a tired cause when in reality we should strap ourselves in and ride the fun roller coaster that has already begun.
I’m just saying.
Just saying, I think teenage cellphone and texting ettiquette should dictate communication standards in the very near future, if not now… scary.
I am one of those people who sends a lot of text messages, but I use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation (I can’t help myself). I also know others who use shortened words and cute graphics, this drives me crazy.
I thought it might be a generation thing, so I checked with my step kids. With the speed of their text messaging I was sure they used short cuts. I was wrong! Yes the type a million words a minute on a tiny cell phone key pad, but they use full sentences with proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
So, if it isn’t a generation thing, what is it? Why do some people text they way they write and others use shortened words, abbreviates, no punctuation, and smiley faces?
Sarah L.
I’m not really sure of the answer to this question either. When I evaluate my own grammar when texting, I would say it varies – depending on a lot of factors. Such as:
- Who am I texting?
- Why am I texting? (“Am I asking a question?” … or … “u wanna grab lunch”)
- How much time do I have? Am I sitting down, in a restaurant, or sadly, driving?
I agree with Sarah, I don’t think it’s a generation thing. I personally like using proper grammar, but sometimes, I can’t help myself. And, I’m a fan of emoticons.
Annie