The Competitors of Melbourne Mustangs - Essay Example

Text Messaging: A New Language that Crosses Generations and Has Roots in Historic Language Development Table of Contents Abstract………………………………....................................................................... Chapter One Introduction………………………………...................................................... Aims and Objectives………………………………........................................ Aims………………………………........................................................... Objectives……………………………….................................................. Organization of Chapters………………………………................................. Chapter Two Methodology………………………………...................................................... Hypothesis………………………………......................................................... Chapter Three Text Messaging: A New Language……….………………………………....... Six Aspects of Text Messaging Language….………………............................ Logograms………………………......................................................... Pictograms……………………............................................................. Initialisms………………………........................................................... Omitted Letters……………………...................................................... Non-standard Spelling……………………........................................... Shortening…………………….............................................................. The Linguistics of Text Messages Primary Research on the Use of Text Messaging Language…………………. Chapter Four Conclusions………………………………........................................................ Summary………………………………................................................ Recommendations……………………………….................................. Appendix i Appendix ii Abstract This study aims to create a study of the language of text messaging and to create a distinction for that language that legitimizes its standing as a culturally differentiated form of linguistic communication. The research will look at the history of the various forms of writing that comprises the language and will create a basis for which the language has evolved. The work will examine the way in which text messaging has become a technological phenomenon and how it has been utilized by the young to create a sense of privacy from adult influences. It will also look at how adults have adapted to the use of the language, nullifying much of the advantages that adolescents believed they had gained from its use. In looking at the responses to a questionnaire on the topic of text messaging, a determination can be made on the level of infiltration that the language has made into current culture can be assessed. Finally, the study will make some recommendations on the development and legitimacy of the language, utilizing the research to create informed conclusions. Text Messaging: A New Language that Crosses Generations and Has Roots in Historic Language Development Chapter One Introduction In the past decade, the increase in the use of an abbreviated language to communicate in the form of the text message has become a significant addition to the number of ways in which information is passed. In using this method of communication, an adoption of a new language has created a controversy over the possible diminished depth of formal writing in favor of the simplistic version of language that is used in SMS (short message service). As a generational gap is created by the introduction of these technologies to the youth, the worry becomes more integrated into parental concerns over a form of language that cannot be easily deciphered. As the text messages in contemporary society become linguistically defined by standardized terms that are becoming recognizable on a universal level, a new language has emerged that requires identification, interpretation, and examination for its validity. The creation of convenient language that interprets current cultural needs is not a new phenomenon. Meaning that is developed contextually and contains relevance to popular culture has been the vernacular of language throughout history. The way in which intimates communicate has always been through language that is developed in such a way as to have an exclusionary effect. By creating a language for communicating through the technology of text messaging, society is continuing a tradition that is not new in history. Therefore, the creation of this language should not be feared as a disintegration of formal written language, but be embraced as a natural course of cultural development. Aims and Objectives Aim The aim of this study is to determine the way in which text messaging has become a new language and the extent to which that language has proliferated and integrated into current society. As well, this study will look the historically relevant circmstances that show that the creation of a language that is cultural specific is not a new phenomenon, and therefore not a sign of a decline in language. Objectives To examine the language of text messaging for its unique qualities and its distinction from the parent languages from which it is derived. To examine the historically relevant linguistic similarities between ancient forms of writing and the creation of the language of text messaging. To study the way in which the language of text messaging has developed and the different forms of writing have integrated. To determine how the new language affects the formal writing skills of the young and if an expectation of the future includes an influential shift in formal writing skills. To determine the infiltration of the new language into current culture by the distribution of a questionnaire and the examination of those results. Organization of Chapters The organization of this study will be broken into four chapters. The first chapter will introduced the issue and give a brief overview of the topic. The aims and objectives of the study will be identified for relevant content. The second chapter will discuss the methodology that will be used as an approach for this study. In the third chapter, a discussion of the concepts of the new language form will be made and a breakdown of the various factors that are comprised within the structure of the language will be identified. The fourth chapter will conclude the study with a summary and recommendations concerning the information that has been revealed within the study. Chapter Two Methodology The way in which this study will be approached is in several forms of methodology. In creating a successful study of a contemporary topic, it is important to look at the history of the components of that topic in order to determine the ancestry of its aspects. In studying the relevant literature, an overall concept can be formed about the topic and the way in which current researchers are evaluating the topic can be central to the way in which it is interpreted. It is also important to evaluate the way in which the topic is relevant to current society by evaluating information provided from respondents to a questionnaire. In examining the language of text messaging, it is important to look at the relevant ancient developments of language that parallel the various forms of written communication within text messaging. In looking at logograms and pictographs from ancient Egypt, the Aztec societies, and comparing them to current uses of these forms of communication, a historical perspective on how the linguistic applications of SMS (short message systems) have formed a new language that is developing a distinction from its relevant parent languages. By looking at current literature on the topic, it is significant to study the way in which current researchers are defining the new language and in what place the language has developed a standing. Giving an overview of the way in which this ever-evolving form of communication is changing the way in which people are relating to one another may be discovered within the work of linguists, anthropologists, and sociologists. As a study, this work must reveal the way in which these other academicians have concerned themselves with this topic. Finally, a questionnaire shall be given to fifty respondents within the age group of 18-25 in order to determine the extent to which the language of text messaging has infiltrated contemporary society and if the terms that have been revealed through the literature are relevant to the daily usage of young adults. Examples of the different forms of the language are given and a determination can be made if it is readily recognizable and if these terms have been integrated into their daily use. Terms that are both common and more obscure were used in the questionnaire to test for the level of infiltration of the language. Hypothesis In an examination of text messaging from the aspect of its linguistic relevance, an understanding of the emergence of a new, authentic language that has infiltrated popular culture has created a distinguishable identity within the contemporary society. Chapter Three Text Messaging: A New Language Text messaging is unique in the way in which is connected to a specific technology. Almost all text messaging is done through the use of a cell phone or PDA. The language is specific to SMS(short messaging service) forms and is rarely, if ever, used as a spoken form of communication. According to Lewis and Bryant, the United Kingdom experiences one million text messages sent per hour (2005; 135). This information was reported in 2005, so the figure may have increased by the current year of 2009. According to Baron, most text messages are of a length of 7.7 words and utilize only a few exchanges per session of communication (2008;152). The purpose of the text message is to “send small, discrete bits of information” (Farkas 2007; 174) which can be easily interpreted by the receiver. There are many distinct advantages to the use of text messages. A text can create a piece of information that can be sent while doing other activities or while traveling from place to place. “The fact that text messages are often sent while walking emphasizes the ‘placeless’ quality of mobile communication and its link with outward circumstances and needs (“I’m bored“) rather than a particular place (“when you get a message”)”(Harper 2005; 149). As well, a sense of multi-tasking can be accomplished as a short message is dashed off between other tasks, allowing for an easier work load within the instantaneous nature of the communication. “Of course, the ability to send these types of messages while other things are going on, like during school lectures or in business meetings, makes the personal nature of sending messages in a space that would not accommodate verbal communication a potentially desirable alternative”(Hanson 2005; 40). Text messaging has created a method of connection that is unprecedented in history. Another advantage of the use of the text message is in the ability to create a specific message that contains the exact information, no more, no less, than is desired to impart. The method of conveying information allows for a disconnection between the emotional content of a message and the way in which the receiver interprets that emotional content, which may include a total lack of any consideration that an emotional content may be attached to the message. As well, the way in which a text is created allows for it to be reconsidered and thought about before the information is sent. “As with other forms of writing, we can edit a text message before sending it. Obviously, this allows us to monitor the content of the message and to avoid blurting out something better left unsaid.”(Ling 2004; 164). The disconnection between the sender and the receiver can both shield them from the emotional content, or create a misunderstanding over the interpretation of the text. Successful texts impart enough emotion to color the message, but don’t leave room for an overly emotional response to the information. However, one of the fears connected with the new language that is evolving through the use of text messaging is that formal written communication will suffer from the grammatically incorrect sentence structures and the bastardization of proper spelling. The general concern is that this diminished use of the written word can create a future that does not adhere to established formal writing. “The downside of text messaging and IM shortcuts is that they have gradually caused many of us to become careless in our formal writing”(Gardner 2008; 178). The concept that text messaging overrides the education of proper writing form disturbs some linguists and academicians. “There is concern that using these technologies to communicate and using language that is not what one would traditionally consider grammatically correct will cause language and the future use of language to change, for the worse, forever”(Braun 2007; 13) The history of language is filled with evolutionary changes that constitute changes that are reflective of an evolving culture. According to Nerlich, “Once variability is accepted as existing in language, one is amazed by the incredible creativity witnessed ‘almost daily’. Speakers of all classes, professions, and groups coin new terms, new words constantly created in science and literature, and this creativity seems to be unlimited”(1990; 44). Nerlich wrote this well before the text message was a part of culture, however the relevance is without question. In creating a new language form and producing an evolutionary process to the development, a natural order is continued in linguistics. In creating this new form, language has become developed in the same way it has always developed - out of a necessity to change. However, because these changes are taking place, it does not indicate that formalized writing will become unused and not remembered. Should “adults assume that if teens use error-filled language when using real-time technologies that they will use the same error-filled language in more formal written environments? Second, are all changes in language bad?”(Braun 2007; 13). As Braun questions the wisdom of such fears that the written language will diminish, it is also questioned as to whether these changes will adversely affect the culture. The use of SMS technologies has been adopted by adolescents because of the unique opportunity for privacy and creation in the communication process. Privacy can be attained because of the complexity that can be developed within the language and through the easy deletion of the communications. The use of text messages as communication increases with age. “According to the Pew Internet in American Life Project, sending text messages increases with the age of the teen. Seventeen-percent of the 12 year-olds surveyed send text messages, while 54-percent of the 17 year-olds surveyed send that they sent text messages”(Braun 2007; 18). The sense of privacy is very important to the teen user of text messaging. So much so that a ring tone that cannot be heard by adult ears called the Mosquito was developed because it is outside the range of most adult hearing, but can be heard by the adolescent listener (Hanson 2005; 41). Using this tone allows for discreet contact between peers without adult interference. However, the use of texts has become a mainstay for adults as well as adolescents. The language has become a main component of communications for all age groups within the culture. This evolution creates a stability within the construction of the language and lends credibility to its existence. It is doubtful that the language will fade unless the technology becomes out of fashion or out of date. However, with the advantages to the technology outweighing the potential risks, it is doubtful that the use of text messaging will fade. The anonymity, combined with the portability and the ease with which the communication can be delivered creates a system that has the potential for durability. Even marketing has adopted the venue as a place to promote sales. In the framework of this technology, “more and more companies are adopting text messaging as a way to target consumers on the move”(Lindsell-Roberts 2008; 119). Six Aspects of Text Messaging Language Logograms The concept of the logogram for communication purposes is an ancient way of creating a message without an alphabetical representation of a word. Logograms are symbols and pictures that represent words. Examples of commonly used logograms that are still used in less formal writing, but are not necessarily associated with the recent creation of a short handed text message and instant message communication are the ‘&’ for ‘and’, the ‘@’ for ‘at’, and the ‘#’ for ‘pound‘. Ancient forms of Egyptian hieroglyphics are other examples of logogram expressions of communication. Illus. 1 Egyptian Hieroglyph Example While using pictures for communication is not a new concept, the new forms of shortened communication has created a new level of pictorial representation of words within a text format. The way in which the most common symbols in writing have been reformatted to create a new aspect of language. The following examples are some of the ways in which the new language represents words and concepts by combining known symbols in order to create new representations: 2day, gr8t, y, 2morrow, b4, and 4ever. The list of logograms that are used in modern forms of technological communication are limited only to the imaginative creations that are developed by combining common symbols to create information. Pictograms The concept of the pictogram is very similar to that of the logogram, however in a the pictogram a story is represented by a pictorial representation. Egyptian hieroglyphs can sometimes be considered pictograms, but a more likely example would be the cave paintings of ancient civilizations. In contemporary society, pictorial subject matter is used to cross barriers of language in order to convey safety information. Text messaging Horse from Lascaux Cave Illus 2 Safety sign in British Rail System Illus. 3 is a relatively emotion free process. With communication that is reduced to phrases and does not usually include a great deal of description, the use of pictograms in text messaging allows for the user to communicate a sense of emotion in an otherwise emotionless form of information. The following examples show how symbols are combined in order to convey an emotion; !-( : Black Eye, !-): Proud of Black Eye - #:-o : shocked, >:- furious. (Hanson 2007; 40). In combining these symbols with brief messages, the language takes on a new sense of dimension and a more creative appeal. Initialisms One of the central forms of writing that is within this language is the development of initials for phrases and thoughts that are used to communicate ideas. Some examples of this would include: lol (laugh out loud), brb (be right back), bff, (best friend forever), and LTD (living the dream). This communication style has created the central language form and the strongest differentiation from other written communication for text messaging. Although it is also used in IM (instant messaging) communication, the use in text messaging language has become a dominant factor in the way in which people of all ages now create ideas that are sent as information to others. One of the advantages of this initialization of phrases and ideas is that the young people, who have done most to create this language, can communicate with their peers in a way that is not easily understood by adults who may try to interpret their messages. While the language is spreading throughout the age groups, the initial privacy that was afforded by this language created a secret language for adolescents. “Text messaging opens up a whole new world for your children - and therein lies the problem. While its been true for several decades that young people had a language of their own, at least it was a language that adults could hear - or at least see.” (Melton & Shankle 2006; 38). With the creation of shortened phrases that communicate on a level that adults are only just recently beginning to understand, the language of text messaging is establishing an autonomy, and a specifically distinguished identity. Omitted Letters Another way in which the written language of text messaging reinforces the notion of abbreviation within its available forms is by leaving out superfluous letters that are not necessarily a part of the phonetic pronunciation of a word. Words are reinvented through the concept of how the auditory representation of a word sounds and how few the letters of word need to be to effectively convey that sound in a visual representation. As an example, the word ’would’ becomes ’wud’, as does the word ’could’ becomes ’cud’. Vowels become less necessary as words like ’that’ becomes ’tht’ and ’when’ becomes ’wn’. The limits on the way in which words can be shortened are defined only by the ability of the receiver to interpret the shortened word. As long as the message can come across intact, shortened words can be utilized as often and to as much of an extent as still creates a successful message. Non-Standard Spelling The way in which words are spelled is also tailored to the needs of the sender in comparison to the needs of the receiver and are only limited by the capacity of understanding between the two participants. This category can include elements of the above categories as the spelling of words is tailored to the message and the recipient. Shortening The central theme to the development of this language is in the use of an abbreviated form of all communication that is made through the use of the text message. The goal of the sender is to shorten the message to the least possible letters and words, while ensuring that the receiver can interpret the intended information as it was meant to be interpreted. The advantages of this type of communication on the way in which certain types of confrontation can be avoided, allows for the emotional content of a message to be interrupted and diminished. The message then becomes an abstract of the actual message that the sender has formed within his or her mind. In creating an abbreviated language, a socially relevant shift in the emotional content of relationships has occurred. “Short” text messaging gives less possibilities for deep discussions compared to e-mail, for example, and in this way it is also a less confrontational medium” (Harper 2005; 149). The way in which communication has developed from the advent of the proliferation of the personal computer has continually spiraled inward to a place where there is less personal communication that requires an emotional component. In creating this shortened version of language, the avoidance of deeper meanings has created the avoidance of interpersonal relationship connection on a personal level. This is not to say that this does not exist, but that it can be avoided as desired. The Linguistics of Text Messages In a discussion of a new language, it is important to determine the way in which the language is used, how it imparts information, and in what way it distinguishes itself as an entity of language. In order to study the linguistics of this new language, the semantics, or the meaning, and the grammar must be examined. However, one of the aspects of text messaging that is prominent and relevant to the development of the language is that the grammatical structure is defined by a lack of rules for grammar. In creating the language from a parent language, the distinction of a lack of grammatical formality is part of the very nature of its distinction. In looking at the aspect of semantics, the opinions are varied. Kirshenbaum (2008), in a discussion of the linguistics of text messages said that: first, information, in this context, is absolutely devoid of any semantic component. Second, the amount of information carried by a message in transmission is a function of that messages probability - the less likely a message is to be sent, the more information it may be said to bear. Third, (and this follows directly from the previous point), an actual message exists only of a function of its relation to a larger system of potential messages. Fourth, information is directly related to entropy - the more entropic or disorganized a system, the more potential information it contains” (Kirshenbaum 2008; 2). However, the concept of semantics revolves around the transmission of literal meaning. The question “Where R U?, could not be more clear or literal. As well, the concept of situation semantics becomes relevant to the messages as the way in which they are interpreted is specifically defined by the context of the conversation between two people. It might be argued that text messaging is a literal example of situation semantics, as all messaging is contextual and derives meaning from what is known both by the sender and the receiver. Primary Research on the Use of Text Messaging Language In looking at the aspect of this new language, the research required a method of examining the extent to which the language was being used by individuals within the culture. Questionnaires were delivered to 50 people who were within the 18 to 25 year old age range. This age range was chosen because the age bracket included a transitional period between adolescence and adulthood. The questionnaires show that the language is only partially developed within the community. Of the 45 examples of the new language form, an average of eight samples were recognized as part of the text language. However, the types of representations used were a mixture of common and more obscure versions of the language in order to gauge how deep the language had infiltrated. From conversations with the participants, the way in which the forms of communication was developed was primarily for a sense of convenience, with the same forms repeated more often than not in order to transmit small pieces of information. Out of fifty respondents, forty-one considered text message to be an important part of their communication life. Of twelve possible commonly used phrases, the letter combination of LOL (laugh out loud) is the most common choice of text language to included in daily text message communication. The average number of responses for the number of text messages sent per day was 3.5, which most closely represents 11-15 texts sent per day. The indications of this information are that text messaging has become a deeply ingrained part of life. However, the language that has developed for the technology is adopted on a personal level as individuals and groups choose which options serve them most. Chapter Four Conclusions Summary Text messaging has become a commonly used form of communication that is developing its own form of language. However, this development is not historically unique. Language has been used by civilizations to create both formal language and common language. In the use of common language, a way to connect to others within the community signifies the use of a more intimate form of communication that is accomplished when formality is broken and emotional expression is revealed. With the use of the six forms of language types that constitute text messaging forms, types of language that have been used throughout history are adopted and recreated to adapt to the technology. The indication of this historical foundation is that the creation of this specifically situated language extends the forms of the parent language, rather than diminishes its formal capacity. As the language is part of the vernacular, and not part of the formal, these adaptations create a new dimension to the way in which people are able to relate to one another. The use of the questionnaires gave a new dimension to the research as it showed how the text message language has been personalized by individuals and groups. Many individual symbols have not infiltrated deeply into society, although some have become almost universally recognizable. While the language began within groups of adolescents who were seeking a sense privacy from adults in their communications with each other, aspects of the language that provide convenience is spreading throughout all age groups. Recommendations Text messaging has become a common form of language that has roots in historical foundations of language style. The fear that formal writing will be affected by this diminished form of writing are unfounded and without merit. On the contrary, one might consider this an expansion of the parent language, requiring a clever use of words, symbols, and phonetics. As this technology has become part of daily life and has become a common form of connection, the use of a new language that is geared toward the use of the technology can only be seen as an extension of written communication. The artistry of formal writing and the educators who will always insist on its use will continue to enforce the existence of a formal linguistic style. However, the use of a new form of language provides a possibility for more diversity and the rich, complexity of development within the confines of a specific form of language that is designed for the technology of text messaging. 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Do you consider Text Messaging a vital form of your communication experience? Yes No 2. How often do you use text messages per day? 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 20+ 3. Of the following text message abbreviations, please indicate how often you use these symbals according to a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being Never and 5 Always. 1 2 3 4 5 Never Once Sometimes Often Always ? I have a question .02 My (or your) two cents worth 2NTE Tonight 420 Lets get high 831 I love you (8 letters, 3 words, 1 meaning) NSISR Not sure if spelled right LOL Laugh out loud LTD Living the dream KNIM Know what I mean? Y? Why? ZUP Meaning "Whats up?" G2G Got to go Of the following text abbreviations, which ones do you recognize? Please indicate with a tick mark next to the symbol. ?4U EWG JFGI Read More