Texting Is Not Destroying Language — It’s Transforming It

I can recall the discussions about whether it was acceptable to use “text” as a verb. “How do we conjugate that in the past tense?” we would exclaim, incredulous. “Say, ‘I texted’? That’s absurd.” Merriam-Webster notes that the verb form of “text” first appeared in 1998, and now we use it without a second thought.

Since texting emerged, some linguists have argued that it threatens the integrity of the English language. In a 2002 article in the Guardian, Dr. Mark Thompson, a Professor of Modern English Literature, labeled texting as “writing for the illiterate” and dismissed emojis as “face symbols.” He even predicted that texting would be a fleeting trend, destined to fade away in a year or two. “If you’re not texting now,” he asserted, “it’s not worth your time; voice recognition technology will take over soon.”

Well, some predictions don’t age well. Perhaps many of Thompson’s other assertions didn’t miss the mark so drastically.

Language Evolves, And Texting Is Part Of That

Thompson’s overconfidence in foreseeing language trends serves as a reminder for all of us, particularly those of us who find ourselves saying, “Kids these days.” Criticism of how younger generations communicate often becomes outdated quickly.

Dr. Sarah Lind, author of “Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language” and co-host of the podcast “Lingthusiasm,” argues that texting is simply another form of communication and a natural aspect of language evolution. She highlights that texting has established its own rules and conventions, which vary greatly depending on context: older individuals text differently than younger ones, and we approach friends and colleagues with different styles.

The focus of communication has shifted too. “The traditional rules are about structure, like ‘here’s how to use an apostrophe,’” Lind explained in an interview with NPR. “The new rules focus on how others interpret your tone. The old rules emphasize demonstrating intellectual superiority, while the new ones prioritize building connections.”

Periods Are Aggressive?

Recently, a friend posed a question on Facebook: “My teenagers believe that periods in text messages are ‘aggressive.’ Are they right?” After 228 comments, no consensus emerged, but certain trends were evident: young people view a period as akin to a death stare, while older individuals argue, “But … punctuation. It signifies the end of a sentence.”

Having sent countless texts, I lean toward the younger perspective: I often omit periods, and when someone replies with one, I pause to decipher whether they’re upset or just punctuating meticulously.

Lind also discussed the period in her NPR interview. She noted that as texting evolved, the period became less necessary. In formal writing, punctuation marks the separation of ideas, while in texting, hitting send serves that purpose. Thus, for younger people, “awesome” conveys excitement, while “Awesome.” might read as sarcastic.

Texting Isn’t Ruining Grammar

In an episode of her podcast, “Lingthusiasm,” Lind tackled the claim that texting harms language skills. One 2012 study suggested a connection between texting frequency and declining grammar abilities. The media seized this, publishing articles without examining the study’s methods. However, linguists later found the correlation statistically insignificant and largely influenced by grade levels. Moreover, the kids (middle schoolers) had only taken a brief grammar test, which didn’t assess their ability to articulate ideas effectively.

According to Lind and various studies, informal texting does not predict poor formal writing skills. In fact, a 2010 study by P.A. Johnson from Indiana University–Purdue University revealed that students who texted more performed better on grammar, spelling, and reading tests.

Kids Are Writing More Than Ever

This makes sense, right? Kids are constantly engaging in written communication. Their texts might be chaotic regarding punctuation, but that doesn’t mean they lack writing skills.

As a professional writer, the texts I compose on my phone are vastly different from those I type on my computer. When I type on my phone, I overlook typos and grammar rules, but on my laptop, I automatically adhere to punctuation norms. My kids follow the same pattern: their texting may lack structure, but their school assignments reflect appropriate spelling and grammar.

Texting Accelerates Language Evolution

The more interconnected we become, the faster language evolves. Each year, Merriam-Webster adds hundreds of new words. Our digital connectivity allows new terms to spread quickly, and platforms like Urban Dictionary help older generations adopt younger slang, often diluting its original charm (RIP, “on fleek”).

Texting has evolved into a unique mode of expression with its own rules and meanings, holding as much value as formal written English in sharing ideas. Our children will impress us with their ability to switch between informal texting lingo and the more structured language needed for academic essays. And they’ll astound us with their creativity in generating new words faster than we can keep pace.

For more insights into family planning, check out this post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re exploring fertility journeys, Make a Mom is an excellent resource. For a deeper understanding of pregnancy options, consider this informative article.

Probable Search Queries

In summary, texting is not the enemy of language; rather, it is a dynamic force that contributes to its evolution. As we adapt to new forms of communication, we should celebrate the creativity and connectivity that texting fosters.

Keyphrase: Texting and language evolution
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]