Can the English language survive?

[Medial Collateral]

Been reading blogs, looking at text messages.

Is the English language, in a practical sense, on it's way to extinction?Slang has always won sway with formal English. I think the text messaging jargon will ultimately destroy the English language as we know it. I think in 10 years BFF will be an accepted part of the language to where it replaces it's translation. (IF you hve to ask what it means, you're already on the wrong side of the 8-ball). Journalism deans/teachers who cling to the idea that there will ALWAYS be a need for precise language usuage, for good writing, are deluding themselves. At one time the livery stable owners scoffed at the motor car. People thought there was no way a computer could be reduced in size to practical use.

Don't get me wrong. I love writing, I love the craft. I just fear that it will be as relevant as Atari in 10 years.

Where are we heading? Is there any way to stem the tide? You know my feelings. Discuss.

 

[Moderator1]

brb, 'k?

 

[Barsuk]

DTGDTN!

 

[Bob Cook]

Been reading blogs, looking at text messages.

Is the English language, in a practical sense, on it's way to extinction?Slang has always won sway with formal English. I think the text messaging jargon will ultimately destroy the English language as we know it. I think in 10 years BFF will be an accepted part of the language to where it replaces it's translation. (IF you hve to ask what it means, you're already on the wrong side of the 8-ball). Journalism deans/teachers who cling to the idea that there will ALWAYS be a need for precise language usuage, for good writing, are deluding themselves. At one time the livery stable owners scoffed at the motor car. People thought there was no way a computer could be reduced in size to practical use.

Don't get me wrong. I love writing, I love the craft. I just fear that it will be as relevant as Atari in 10 years.

Where are we heading? Is there any way to stem the tide? You know my feelings. Discuss.

You mean you haven't received the Eleventh Edition of Newspeak? I have one right here.

 

[Medial Collateral]

Thanks for the glib responses. It confirms what I feared.

 

[WaylonJennings]

At one time the livery stable owners scoffed at the motor car.

Actually, those old crusty dudes may end up getting the last laugh after all, as the oil crisis spins out of control (guy on TV today predicted $12/gallon eventually).

To answer your question - text message English isn't anything revolutionary. Go dig up one of your junior high yearbooks.

 

[imjustagirl]

Well, Medial, I'll be completely honest with you.

I couldn't get past the fact you were asking about the death of the English language when you don't know the difference between its and it's.

 

[WaylonJennings]

Thanks for the glib responses. It confirms what I feared.

Three wisecracks on a message board full of wisecrackers confirms that the English language is unsalvageable?

 

[imjustagirl]

Its obvious that's it's intent.

 

[Diabeetus]

ROFL.

 

[SixToe]

BFF: Big Fat ****er?

 

[Football_Bat]

I cannot speak as to the survivability of the English language.

But the American language is kicking ass.

 

[Diabeetus]

BFF: Big Fat ****er?

SRSLY?

 

[forever_town]

As long as there are hiring managers who frown upon using text messaging slang in a formal setting, there will ALWAYS be room for learning precise, grammatically correct English.

KTHNKSNBAI.

 

[captzulu]

I recently read a Pew report that says most teens consider good writing skills to be important, but that they don't consider their e-mails, IMs and text messages to be "formal" writing. It seems that there is a mental distinction between when slangs are acceptable and when they are not. However, about 30-some percent said they sometimes use shortcuts like LOL and emoticons in school assignments.

So no, I don't think good English is going the way of the dodo, because I don't see the day when people will start writing formal reports and such in SMS style. But I do think it's easier for those habits to slip from day-to-day communication into formal writing, which means we need stronger emphasis in school on writing ... and more copy editors.

 

[Joe Williams]

But I do think it's easier for those habits to slip from day-to-day communication into formal writing, which means we need stronger emphasis in school on writing ... and more copy editors.

Tough. Times like these, we've got to do more with less fewer.

 

[outofplace]

The sky is falling!

Medial, you are approaching this as if the English language has always been this static thing that is suddenly changing. That is not even close to the truth. Read some Shakespeare if you don't believe that. Better yet, try reading Old English.

Languages evolve and change over time. They are more stable now than they used to be, in large part due to changes in technology. There was a time we could not listen to how our language was spoken 50 years in the past, so it was much easier for the pronunciations of certain words to change. But that does not mean the English language will ever remain static.

I am certain that a scholar from Shakespeare's time would wonder what the hell we have done to the language, too. Good writing will survive. In time it may look a little different than it does now, but it will still exist.

 

[Smallpotatoes]

Over the years, the English language had devolved into a combination of Valley Girl, Hillbilly and various inner city crunks. Joe understood them, but when he talked, he sounded pompous and faggy.

 

[Chi City 81]

Over the years, the English language had devolved into a combination of Valley Girl, Hillbilly and various inner city crunks. Joe understood them, but when he talked, he sounded pompous and faggy.

Water? Like from the toilet?

 

[NightOwl]

WTF?

ROFLAL!!!

U B COOL, THO.

WB, KITA......and TYVM!!!


[burp]