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 
Nice answer back in return of this question with real arguments and
describing all concerning that.
LikeLike
Greetings! Quick question that’s entirely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4.
I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be
able to correct this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share.
Thank you!
LikeLike
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
LikeLike
I used to be able to find good advice from your content.
LikeLike
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get
that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appearance.
I must say you have done a very good job with this. Also,
the blog loads extremely fast for me on Chrome. Exceptional Blog!
LikeLike
Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick
shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading through your blog posts.
Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that
deal with the same topics? Thank you!
LikeLike
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate it
LikeLike
Your style is very unique in comparison to other
people I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have
the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this web site.
LikeLike
Awesome post.
LikeLike
Amazing! Its truly awesome paragraph, I have got much clear idea regarding
from this paragraph.
LikeLike
I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it.
I have got you book marked to check out new things you post…
LikeLike
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
LikeLike
Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup.
Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?
LikeLike
Thank you, I’ve just been looking for info about this subject for a while and yours is the best I’ve
found out so far. But, what in regards to the bottom line?
Are you positive in regards to the supply?
LikeLike
Terrific article! This is the type of information that should be shared across the net.
Shame on the seek engines for no longer
positioning this post higher! Come on over and
visit my website . Thanks =)
LikeLike
Excellent post. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..
LikeLike
This piece of writing will assist the internet people for creating
new blog or even a blog from start to end.
LikeLike
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really
enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thanks
LikeLike
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your blog.
You have some really great 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 articles
for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested.
Kudos!
LikeLike
Fastidious replies in return of this matter with genuine arguments and
telling everything concerning that.
LikeLike
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a
blog article or vice-versa? My site covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could
greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free
to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Awesome blog by the way!
LikeLike
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative.
I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
LikeLike
Hello colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what
you desire to say concerning this paragraph, in my view its really awesome for me.
LikeLike
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve consider your stuff prior to and you’re simply too magnificent.
I really like what you have got here, really like what you are stating and the way in which through which you assert it.
You’re making it enjoyable and you still take care of
to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to learn far more from you.
This is actually a terrific web site.
LikeLike
After exploring a handful of the blog posts on your web site, I really appreciate your way of blogging.
I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list
and will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site as well
and let me know how you feel.
LikeLike
Piece of writing writing is also a fun, if you be familiar with after that you can write otherwise it
is complex to write.
LikeLike
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. That is
a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra
of your useful information. Thank you for the post.
I will definitely comeback.
LikeLike
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a
doubt donate to this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle
for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
LikeLike
We stumbled over here different web page and thought I might check things
out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to looking into your web page for a second time.
LikeLike
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would certainly benefit from some of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Many thanks!
LikeLike
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet people,
its really really nice article on building up new blog.
LikeLike
Ridiculous story there. What happened after? Good luck!
LikeLike
It’s going to be end of mine day, however before finish I am reading
this fantastic article to improve my experience.
LikeLike
Link exchange is nothing else however it is only placing the other person’s weblog link on your page at appropriate place
and other person will also do similar in favor of you.
LikeLike
Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. This sort of clever work and exposure!
Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
LikeLike
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a data!
present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this site.
LikeLike
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest
writing a blog post or vice-versa? My website goes over
a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look
forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!
LikeLike
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thanks
LikeLike
I am truly happy to read this webpage posts which consists of plenty of helpful information, thanks for
providing such data.
LikeLike
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
it seems as though you relied on the video to make
your point. You clearly know what youre talking
about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting
videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?
LikeLike
Heya terrific blog! Does running a blog like this take a lot of work?
I have absolutely no knowledge of computer programming but I had been hoping to start
my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, if you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic however I just had to ask. Kudos!
LikeLike
I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your content.
Your article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your site
and keep checking for new information about once a week.
I opted in for your Feed too.
LikeLike
This article will help the internet people for setting up new web
site or even a blog from start to end.
LikeLike
Hello, this weekend is nice for me, because this occasion i am reading this wonderful informative piece of writing here at my house.
LikeLike
Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility
issues. When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has
some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, terrific blog!
LikeLike
I have read so many articles about the blogger lovers except this paragraph is actually a
good piece of writing, keep it up.
LikeLike
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to
mention that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing in your feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
LikeLike
What’s up to every one, the contents present at this website are
truly remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the nice work
fellows.
LikeLike
Outstanding post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a
litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Thanks!
LikeLike
Thanks for finally talking about >Shortcut
Texting: An Evolution in an Informal English Communication | Thoughts and Insights <Loved it!
LikeLike