Text messaging in “short-cut style” is the fastest way to send casual messages in today’s digital culture. In “Text-speak: Language Evolution or Just Laziness?,” Anne Merritt asserts that text-speak, the shortened way of writing words, has a strong negative impact on children’s communication skills. She looks at it as a decline in proper language skills and explains that it alters the way children communicate. Merritt’s claim has no solid ground however, because children’s speaking and writing abilities cannot be solely measured by a “set of language standards.” Communication skills embrace unique ways of expressions in which the listener or the receiver understands the message. In fact, shortening or cutting the spelling of words is a skill in itself, particularly if it clearly conveys the proper meaning to its recipient or reader. Text-speak need not be taken as a formal way of communication. Instead, it must be viewed in the context of informal articulation. Short-cut text messaging has three affirmative points to reflect on and consider: cognitive development; transcribing and decoding skills; and the convenience of creative and fast messaging in a very personal manner.
According to Merritt, the phonetics or acronymic bites of language, like “L8R,” “m8” and “b4,” are clear manifestations of a decline in proper language skills that change children’s way to communicate. However, if one would look at it in a profound way, it is a creative, concise, conceptual, innovative language learning, and an information processing skill in a child’s cognitive development. In the fields of study of neuroscience and psychology, cognitive development focuses on a child’s development in areas of processing information and concept, perceptual and learning language skills, and other aspects of adult mental development. In this sense, text-speak is a new language learning capability.
Text-speak is a problem of productive language skill, Merritt posits. On the contrary, it is not a problem because it is dynamic and creative in nature. Transcribing a word in a shortest way possible, mostly in the alpha-numeric system, is a result of an imaginative mind. More so, figuring out the proper English word for a certain shortcut text is a sort of a word puzzle or word drill. Correspondingly, it is a practice of critical thinking by way of association and analyzing the word’s sound in letter-number combinations. Therefore, it is a mental skill.
Merritt argues that as communication is becoming global and electronic in form, the decline in spoken and written communications will become greater. In contrast, communication in a global stage and in electronic forms are advancing and very useful. It is a practical and proactive trend of delivering quick messages in today’s hasty and complex way of life. She overlooks that globalization brings everyone closer to one another, where communication becomes more personal in perspective and creative in style.
On children’s bad writing habits in text-speak format, Merritt underscores that children communicate beyond colloquial level who need to be properly educated on the use of technology in formal and professional contexts. Basically, technology is an open pit of ideas and text-speak should not be levelled to a formal and professional setting because it is a non-academic framework and perspective. Moreover, research studies that Merritt cited from Coventry University, England, which is known for public research, and University of Hawaii, United States of America, known for public co-educational research, did not support her viewpoint. Studies revealed that children explicitly distinguish formal from informal speech and their frequent use of text-speak does not necessary show a relationship or correlation with poor essay writing skills. In analyzing the issue, Merritt should have set aside her personal biases and prejudices as an English teacher. Also, she disregards the fact that shortened words and cryptic phrasings are semantic circuits of techno-digital evolution in our modern time.
Merritt stresses that children learn proper English in school but they are not applying it outside the classroom, causing each lesson to be ineffective and unproductive to them. Nevertheless, she fails herself to recognize the boundaries between a formal communication, which is institutional, and an informal communication, which is conversational and personal in approach. When children leave the parapet of their schools, it is still their choice to a freer, spontaneous, easy and convenient means of communicating which is complacent for them. More so, the young generation is not an exception to the influence of social media where new communication patterns are formed.
Putting things together, text-speak is an informal form of communication. It is a practice of the freedom of expression and absolutely an individual choice. The use of text-speak is mutual and personal, and the shortest way to express one’s message. As people acclimatize to the rapids of social transformation, communication also evolves in a changing social environment where there is no room for a delayed adaptation. Indeed, this is a great challenge in all learning and academic institutions.
______________________________
Work Cited / Research Works Acknowledgment:
Merritt, Anne. “Text-speak: language evolution or just laziness?” The Telegraph. 03 April 2013. Web. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/9966117/Text-speak-language-evolution-or-just-laziness.html
Roberts, K., et al. 2013. Does Text-to-Speech Use Improve Reading Skills of High School Students? University of Hawaii Manoa.
Waldron, S., et al. 2016. Texting Behavior and Language Skills in Children and Adults. Coventry University and University of Tasmania.
The InsighTalk 
Can I simply say what a comfort to find somebody that really
understands what they are discussing online. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it
important. More people need to look at this and understand this side of your story.
It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you definitely possess the gift.
LikeLike
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious knowledge on the topic
of unpredicted feelings.
LikeLike
Somebody essentially assist to make seriously posts I might state.
This is the very first time I frequented your website page and to this point?
I amazed with the analysis you made to make this particular post extraordinary.
Magnificent job!
LikeLike
Inspiring story there. What occurred after? Take care!
LikeLike
This post will help the internet viewers for building up new weblog or even a weblog from start to
end.
LikeLike
Peculiar article, totally what I needed.
LikeLike
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort
to put this article together. I once again find myself spending a lot
of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
LikeLike
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement,
if you be acquainted with after that you can write if not it is complicated to write.
LikeLike
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your site.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility
problems? A number of my blog readers have complained about
my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?
LikeLike
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to
see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and
she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I
had to share it with someone!
LikeLike
Keep on writing, great job!
LikeLike
I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this
webpage on regular basis to obtain updated from most up-to-date news update.
LikeLike
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It really useful &
it helped me out much. I am hoping to offer one thing again and help others such as you aided me.
LikeLike
Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you
can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any assistance is
very much appreciated.
LikeLike
For latest news you have to visit world-wide-web and on internet I found this web
page as a best web site for newest updates.
LikeLike
Good answers in return of this difficulty with solid arguments and explaining
all concerning that.
LikeLike
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
LikeLike
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the finest sites on the internet.
I am going to highly recommend this blog!
LikeLike
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was
wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for
my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m
having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!
LikeLike
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for
your site. You have some really good articles and I think
I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off,
I’d love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a
link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Thank you!
LikeLike
I just like the helpful information you supply to your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more
right here regularly. I am rather sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
LikeLike
Its not my first time to pay a quick visit this web
site, i am browsing this web site dailly and take pleasant data
from here everyday.
LikeLike
I love what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever
work and coverage! Keep up the wonderful works
guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my own blogroll.
LikeLike
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
LikeLike
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS.
I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody
having the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the
answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
LikeLike
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what
all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming
having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% positive. Any recommendations or
advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
LikeLike
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while
you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web
site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
LikeLike
Wow! This blog looks just like my old one!
It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much
the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
LikeLike
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would genuinely benefit from some of the information you
present here. Please let me know if this ok with you.
Appreciate it!
LikeLike
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for
a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
LikeLike
It’s an remarkable piece of writing in support of all the
internet people; they will take advantage from it I am sure.
LikeLike
Keep this going please, great job!
LikeLike
I do trust all the ideas you’ve presented in your post.
They’re very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless,
the posts are very short for novices. May just you please lengthen them a
bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
LikeLike
Hey would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a
lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Thank you, I appreciate it!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on SM 카지노. Regards
LikeLike
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure
of your website? Its very well written; I
love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content
so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1
or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further post thank you once again.
LikeLike
I enjoy, lead to I discovered exactly what I was looking for.
You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
LikeLike
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your post. I like to write
a little comment to support you.
LikeLike
I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article.
But should remark on some general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is
really great : D. Good job, cheers
LikeLike
Hello, I read your new stuff daily. Your humoristic style
is witty, keep it up!
LikeLike
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the
blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
LikeLike
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Take care!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
LikeLike
I am regular reader, how are you everybody?
This post posted at this website is in fact fastidious.
LikeLike
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having a
tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you
an email. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog
you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
LikeLike
I pay a visit daily some websites and information sites to
read articles, except this web site offers quality based writing.
LikeLike
Very energetic article, I loved that a lot. Will there be
a part 2?
LikeLike
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally
I have found something which helped me. Thanks a lot!
LikeLike
Excellent blog you have here but I was curious about
if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get responses from
other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.
If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Kudos!
LikeLike
I have read so many posts concerning the blogger lovers however this paragraph is genuinely a pleasant article,
keep it up.
LikeLike