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 
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after looking at a few of the articles I realized it’s
new to me. Anyways, I’m certainly pleased I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and
checking back often!
LikeLike
I am extremely inspired with your writing abilities and also with the layout on your weblog.
Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself?
Either way stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s uncommon to
look a great weblog like this one nowadays..
LikeLike
I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working hard for his web site,
for the reason that here every material is
quality based material.
LikeLike
You can certainly see your expertise within the
work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to
say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
LikeLike
Exceptional post however , I was wondering if you
could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Thanks!
LikeLike
I’m curious to find out what blog platform
you are working with? I’m having some small security issues with my latest website and I’d
like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?
LikeLike
I don’t even know how I ended up right here, but I believed this publish used to
be good. I don’t know who you’re but definitely you’re going to a
well-known blogger if you happen to are not already.
Cheers!
LikeLike
If you desire to get a great deal from this post
then you have to apply such strategies to your won webpage.
LikeLike
I always spent my half an hour to read this blog’s content all
the time along with a cup of coffee.
LikeLike
Hey would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a honest price?
Many thanks, I appreciate it!
LikeLike
My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right.
This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I
had spent for this info! Thanks!
LikeLike
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am
in fact impressed to read all at one place.
LikeLike
There’s certainly a great deal to know about this issue.
I like all the points you have made.
LikeLike
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both
equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy that I found this in my hunt for
something concerning this.
LikeLike
Superb post however I was wondering if you could
write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could
elaborate a little bit further. Bless you!
LikeLike
It’s wonderful that you are getting thoughts from this piece of writing as well as
from our argument made at this place.
LikeLike
This is my first time go to see at here and i am
in fact impressed to read all at single place.
LikeLike
I am curious to find out what blog platform you have been using?
I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest
website and I’d like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any suggestions?
LikeLike
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Thank you!
LikeLike
hi!,I love your writing so much! share we communicate
extra about your article on AOL? I need a specialist in this area to solve my problem.
May be that’s you! Taking a look forward to see you.
LikeLike
It’s going to be end of mine day, but before finish I am reading this great post to increase my know-how.
LikeLike
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.
I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great writing, have a nice day!
LikeLike
Good web site you have here.. It’s hard to find excellent
writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
LikeLike
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve
hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy I came across this in my search for something relating to this.
LikeLike
Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your site accidentally, and I am stunned why this accident didn’t happened in advance!
I bookmarked it.
LikeLike
bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!
LikeLike
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog
and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you
write again soon!
LikeLike
I do not even know the way I stopped up here, however I thought
this publish was once good. I do not know who you are however certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you
are not already. Cheers!
LikeLike
It’s actually very complicated in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, thus I simply use web for that purpose,
and obtain the most recent news.
LikeLike
I am now not positive the place you’re getting your information, however good topic.
I must spend a while studying more or working out more.
Thank you for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.
LikeLike
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure
whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!
LikeLike
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody else
experiencing issues with your site. It appears as though some of the written text in your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening
to them too? This could be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had
this happen previously. Thanks
LikeLike
If you are going for best contents like me, only pay a visit this site
every day since it offers feature contents, thanks
LikeLike
This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to
say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
LikeLike
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you
amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog web site?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of
this your broadcast offered bright transparent idea
LikeLike
That is a really good tip especially to those new
to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this
one. A must read post!
LikeLike
We are a group of volunteers and starting a
new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and
our whole community will be thankful to you.
LikeLike
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve bear in mind your
stuff prior to and you are just extremely magnificent.
I really like what you’ve received right here, certainly like
what you’re stating and the best way during which you assert it.
You are making it enjoyable and you continue to care for
to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read far more
from you. That is really a wonderful site.
LikeLike
Its such as you read my thoughts! You appear to know a lot approximately
this, like you wrote the e book in it or something.
I think that you just can do with some percent to drive
the message house a little bit, but other than that, that is magnificent blog.
A great read. I’ll certainly be back.
LikeLike
For the reason that the admin of this web page is working, no question very
rapidly it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
LikeLike
It’s impressive that you are getting thoughts from this piece of writing as well as from our discussion made here.
LikeLike
Just desire to say your article is as surprising. The
clearness in your post is simply cool and that i can think you’re a professional in this subject.
Well together with your permission let me to grasp your RSS feed to
stay updated with coming near near post.
Thank you a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
LikeLike
I visited multiple websites however the audio quality for audio songs current at this
website is actually marvelous.
LikeLike
It’s enormous that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as well as from our discussion made at this time.
LikeLike
Howdy are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do
you require any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be
greatly appreciated!
LikeLike
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I think that you should publish more
on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally
people don’t discuss these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!
LikeLike
It’s the best time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to
be happy. I have read this put up and if I may just I wish to suggest you few fascinating issues or suggestions.
Maybe you can write next articles relating to this article.
I wish to read more things approximately it!
LikeLike
Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my web site so i got here to return the choose?.I am attempting to in finding issues
to enhance my website!I guess its good enough to make use of a few
of your ideas!!
LikeLike
obviously like your website but you need to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I
to find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll
certainly come again again.
LikeLike
Wow, incredible blog layout! How lengthy have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The total look of your web site is fantastic, let
alone the content!
LikeLike