While on my way to work reading the newspaper I came across a word I could not read. Not because it was some obscure word that I had never seen before, but something that was written in a text messaging style. I could not finish reading the article as it contained many such acronyms. I started into my mental rant about how this younger generation can’t read, write, or use proper English, when I suddenly had an epiphany. The “they” that could not read, write or spell included me! You may be familiar with the phrase “Johnny can’t read” and now neither can Pat. They were illiterate in my eyes, but on the other side of the coin so was I. I no longer had the vocabulary necessary to read what had been written. OMG! I was illiterate also.
SMS (Short Messaging Service) language also referred to as “text language” or “textese,” has crept its way into a lot of what we read today. SMS is using acronyms, abbreviations, and symbols to create short and to the point messages. The speed of the evolution of language in the digital age is mind boggling. As more of this kind of writing style is entering its way into traditional communications formats, and more digital formats - i.e. WWW, YouTube, wikis, blogs, IM, gain prominence, the landscape is changing. The use of “textese” begs many larger questions. What does all of this mean to us as a society, and to us as individuals? How do we as individuals keep up with the changes? Have traditional classrooms been replaced by the WWW? Will print-based libraries still exist moving forward? Will we continue to learn to read and write on the basis of traditional rules of grammar? Will traditional rules of grammar have to change? These questions and more are being grappled with by many on different fronts.
As we communicate, we have to be aware that there is still a segment of the population that is lagging behind in acquiring these new skills and vocabulary. As always, care must be taken in the use of jargon and acronyms. As a reader, I must make a commitment to build my vocabulary and acquire the tools needed to be an effective writer and reader in the digital arena. Here are some of the tools I found to help me, and you, get started joining the word evolution:
