The Trouble with Text Speak (Article One)

Question

"c u soon :-)! wud u go 2day?" Anyone who regularly sends and receives electronic messages likely understood the meanings of the previous statement and question right away. This string of words, which vaguely resembles sentences, employs techspeak, sometimes also known as text speak. This new way of writing is changing the English language, and not for the better.
The Destruction of English

Before people began typing messages on tiny screens, there were rules for formal written English that teens and adults alike tried to follow, whether they were composing friendly letters or preparing scientific reports. Since texting has become an important mode of communication, many of these rules have essentially been tossed out the window. Don't worry about the right way to spell something! As long as the person reading your message can figure out what you are trying to say, it's fine the way it is. Capital letters and periods? Why bother? Is there really any point in writing "I don't know" when "idk" will be understood? This overly relaxed attitude and approach is destroying the English language.
Declining Grammar Skills

Teachers have suspected for years that students' grammar skills have declined because of techspeak. At least one study suggests this hunch is correct. Researchers gave students a grammar test assessing skills they had been taught in school. They found that the more often teens sent or received messages that contained text speak, the worse they performed on the test.

Common errors associated with the frequent use of techspeak include using abbreviations ("imho" in place of "in my humble opinion") and spelling words based solely on how they sound instead of looking them up in a dictionary. Writing "wut "instead of "what" or "gr8" instead of "great" are two examples of this practice.
The Inability to Turn Off Techspeak

The most concerning issue related to techspeak is not that people shorten words or use symbols to communicate their thoughts and feelings quickly and efficiently to peers. It's that many people do not recognize that this style of writing is not suitable for all applications. Further, they are unable to switch from this informal style to the proper one expected by educators and employers. For example, some research shows that the majority of students currently in middle school and high school have used techspeak in their school assignments. About 25 percent have used symbols such as smiley faces.
Writing for Success

Many teens view techspeak as an acceptable mode of written communication. On the other hand, many—older—English teachers and recruiters in charge of hiring new employees do not. Young people who do not have the knowledge and skills needed to switch from text speak to a more formal writing style that uses proper spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation are less likely to be successful in school and in certain careers.

The English Language: New and Improved (Article Two)

Not so long ago, people communicated with others by talking on the telephone or writing lengthy letters in flowing script. Now, texting or online messaging is the method preferred by many. This practice has changed the way people write words and compose sentences in certain situations, but it has not harmed our language as some suggest.
Our Ever-Evolving English Language

One thing that is true of most people is that they do not like change. The attitudes of those who witnessed the development of techspeak clearly illustrate this statement. Many are raising the alarm bells and claiming that the English language is being destroyed. What they forget is that language does not stay the same forever. It is constantly changing.

Before the emergence of Late Modern English, for instance, there was Old English, Middle English, and even Early Modern English. Consider the following lines written in Old English: "HWÆT, WE GAR-DEna in geardagum / þeodcyninga þrym gefrunon / hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon!" They are from the well-known epic poem Beowulf, which is thought to date back to the eighth century. The average reader today does not understand a single word.
Retaining Essential Writing Skills

A common argument against frequent texting is that it will cause individuals to lose the ability to write properly. One study finding appears to contradict this. Frequent texters often omit capital letters and periods in their messages. However, when those same young people took a grammar test, they were able to apply the capitalization and punctuation rules they learned in school just fine.
The Genius of Text Speak

Far from suggesting that human intelligence is on the decline, the development of techspeak illustrates the opposite. People who had to spell out words on tiny keyboards found it time-consuming, and they wanted to get their point across faster. They knew that shorter messages cost less to send. What emerged as a result was a brand-new form of writing that was still effective yet much more efficient. There are now two writing systems: one for casual text chats, and one for situations where a higher degree of formality is required.
Techspeak in the Future

Educators and employers who grew up without techspeak will likely continue to argue against its use. For now, those who hope to get good grades and land dream jobs need to be able to switch seamlessly between techspeak and conventional English. However, it is easy to envision a future in which the use of "u" instead of "you" in an online cover letter won't be a reason for a supervisor to move an entire application to the recycle bin. As young people who grew up with techspeak assume positions of power in society, they will accept it for what it is—a valid form of written English that was developed for the electronic age.

Answer 1

The debate over the impact of techspeak and texting on the English language presents two opposing viewpoints: the negative consequences highlighted in "The Trouble with Text Speak" and the more optimistic perspective from "The English Language: New and Improved."

Article One: The Trouble with Text Speak

The first article underscores concerns about the degradation of the English language due to the widespread use of techspeak. It argues that the informal nature of texting has led to a decline in grammar skills and the erosion of traditional writing standards. It points to studies showing that students who frequently use text speak perform worse in grammar tests, suggesting that the habit of using abbreviations and phonetic spelling detracts from their ability to write more formally. The article stresses that there is a failure among many young people to adjust their writing style to suit different contexts, particularly in academic and professional settings, which could hamper their success in school and careers.

Article Two: The English Language: New and Improved

In contrast, the second article takes a more progressive stance, suggesting that language is inherently dynamic and constantly evolving. It frames techspeak as a natural development in communication, akin to historical shifts in the English language from Old to Modern English. The article acknowledges that while techspeak may differ from traditional writing conventions, it does not necessarily undermine writing skills. In fact, it argues that many young texters are able to switch between informal and formal writing styles, suggesting that techspeak can coexist with standard English. It envisions a future where techspeak is accepted as a legitimate form of communication, reflecting the changing nature of language in the digital age.

Analysis

The dichotomy between these two articles highlights a significant cultural and educational tension regarding language use in a technology-driven world. Article One presents a cautionary perspective, warning of potential cognitive and communicative deficits arising from reliance on informal text messages. Conversely, Article Two celebrates linguistic adaptability and innovation, suggesting that younger generations can navigate both techspeak and formal English effectively.

Ultimately, both articles recognize the importance of context in communication. While they differ in their perspectives on techspeak's implications for the future of the English language, they both contribute to a broader understanding of how language evolves and the skills necessary for effective communication in varied settings. The challenge lies in finding a balance between embracing new forms of expression and maintaining the foundational language skills essential for academic and professional success.