I can recall the discussions about whether it was acceptable to use “text” as a verb. “How do we even conjugate that?” we would exclaim in disbelief. “You mean ‘I texted’? That sounds absurd.” According to Merriam-Webster, the verb form of “text” first appeared in 1998, and now we use it without a second thought.
Since texting emerged, some linguists have claimed it threatens the integrity of the English language. For instance, a 2002 piece in the Guardian featured John Smith, a professor of Modern English Literature at a leading university, who dismissed texting as “penmanship for illiterates” and derided emojis as “face symbols.” He predicted texting would be a fleeting trend, destined to fade away in a year or two. “If you’re not texting now,” he suggested, “it’s not worth learning; voice recognition will take over soon.”
Well, time has shown that some predictions don’t hold up. Smith’s overconfidence in forecasting language evolution should remind us of the pitfalls of criticizing how younger generations communicate, a perspective that rarely ages well.
Language is always evolving, and texting is a key part of that process. Gretchen McCulloch, author of Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language and co-host of the “Lingthusiasm” podcast, argues that texting represents a new communication method that naturally fits into the ongoing evolution of language. She points out that texting has its own set of rules that are heavily influenced by context: older generations text differently than younger ones, and we communicate with friends in a different style than we do with colleagues.
The context of communication can also shift. “The traditional rules focus on formalities like ‘here’s how you use an apostrophe,’” McCulloch explained in an NPR interview. “The new rules, however, are about how others will interpret your tone. The old rules prioritize showcasing intellectual superiority, while the new ones aim to forge connections.”
Interestingly, many young people now view periods in text messages as “aggressive.” Recently, a friend asked on social media if periods were considered offensive. After 228 comments, no consensus was reached, but a clear trend emerged: younger individuals see a period as akin to a death stare, while older folks argue it simply denotes the end of a sentence. Personally, I send enough texts that I lean towards the younger perspective. I often omit periods, and when I receive a text with one, I have to pause to gauge whether the sender is upset or just precise.
McCulloch also discussed the contentious period in her NPR interview. She suggested that as texting evolved, people began to drop the period, as the act of hitting send already signifies the end of a thought. Thus, to a young person, a text saying “awesome” conveys enthusiasm, while “Awesome.” may be interpreted as sarcastic.
Moreover, the assertion that texting is ruining grammar has been challenged. In a particular episode of her podcast “Lingthusiasm,” McCulloch addressed claims that texting correlates with declines in grammar skills. A 2012 study suggested a connection between time spent texting and grammar proficiency, but further analysis by linguists revealed that the correlation was statistically insignificant and could be linked to the student’s school grade level. The kids assessed were only given a brief grammar test that didn’t measure their overall writing capabilities.
In fact, studies show that informal text language does not predict poor formal writing skills. For instance, a 2010 study by M.A. Drouin found that students who texted frequently actually performed better on grammar, spelling, and reading fluency assessments.
Today’s youth are writing more than ever, expressing themselves through text continuously. While their text messages may appear chaotic in terms of grammar and punctuation, this doesn’t mean they cannot write. As a professional writer, I notice a marked difference between the informal, typo-ridden texts I send and my more polished writing on a computer. My kids exhibit the same behavior: their texting may be messy, yet their academic writing adheres to proper spelling and grammar standards appropriate for their education level or even beyond.
As our world becomes increasingly connected, language evolves at a rapid pace. Every year, new words are added to Merriam-Webster, and our digital connectivity accelerates the spread of slang and phrases. Platforms like Urban Dictionary enable older generations to adopt younger slang, often diminishing its cool factor in the process.
Texting has essentially become a language of its own, with unique expectations, shorthand, and meanings. In the realm of sharing ideas, it holds equal value to formal written English. Kids will continue to impress us with their ability to switch between informal text-speak and the formal language required for their school assignments. They’ll also demonstrate remarkable creativity in generating new words that keep pace with our ever-changing linguistic landscape.
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In summary, texting is not the demise of language but rather a vital part of its ongoing evolution, facilitating new forms of expression and communication among younger generations.