The Text Message Debate

I think a bigger problem is Spellcheck. Although an invaluable tool, the brain depends less on memory and relies more on the pc to correct our mistakes. over a period of time this results in us 'forgetting', albeit temporarily, how to spell certain words corroctly.

Personally, i rarely use texting lingo, even when i am texting, Short hand has been around at least since the 1950's or 60's as a way to take notes from dictation so you didn't have to write the whole word. (i.e. w/ = with and b/c = because) Also, there is no reason it would hurt your understanding of language because you are still deriving meaning from a set of symbols (thats really all that letters are). If it causes any problems at all, i would think it would be with grammar and spelling rather than language comprehension. Same reason you can still know what a word says and means, even if it is unintentionally misspelled. whether they text on a regular basis or not, people who don't practice more formal language skills are going to have a hard time communicating in anyway other than "sup wit you?"
Nothing wrong with it, its just very useful in life if you are fluent in both formal, informal and the in betweens of language.

Oh come on i text all the time and have no problems with filling in application forms i always use the text lingo while textin friends and family but at the same time people say that i will end up doing it on every day things when wrighting letters for example but i know that at the end of the day when i have finished textin i curl up with a good book and that reminds me that not all writing is in the text lingo

Honestly, is text messaging really that bad?

lol ... that is pretty funny!

I dn't thnk it dminishez nething.
totally kidding...
But in all seriousness, I'm convinced that there is a time and a place for "txt" lingo and as long as people can clearly identify that and when its appropriate, we'll be fine.

It's when kids come into the place I work and turn in applications with "bcuz" and phrases alike, that I get a little scared.

Interesting