It is almost everyday that I hear someone say "OMG," or "OBVS" out loud. On occasion I hear "LOL," and "BRB" as well. More often than not, I read these SMS shorthand phrases written to me via text message, instant message, email, blogs, Wikipedia, Facebook profiles, MySpace pages, etc. The list goes on. Who claims to be the so called founder of these SMS phrases and how did SMS shorthand begin? But more importantly, I want to investigate how SMS text lingo has made its way in to written language on the web. Are web authors (bloggers, Facebook users, MySpace members, etc.) using SMS text lingo as what's considered "appropriate" for their audiences? While examining this topic I also want to uncover whether or not people who write on the web, whether it be for a blog or profile or just for instant messaging or emails, prefer this "altered" language. To some, the infiltration of this lingo into the traditional written and spoken language is insulting, to others it marks the next step in literary evolution, and some just find it easy. Do some consider it a form of expression or just a form of convenience?
How will the up and coming generations who will have been exposed to modern technology and the internet for the majority of their lives respond to traditional writing on the web? Will SMS text lingo be expected and better comprehended? What is the future of SMS text lingo-- is it a phase? Or is it here to stay? Some think that SMS text lingo will soon make its way into the dictionary, while others would die before letting this "literary vandalism" take place.
Also, considering the use of SMS text lingo, i would like to view the use of it on websites like Text From Last Night.
My bookmarks for this week on Diigo are two sources with contradicting ideas about SMS text lingo in response to this article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-483511/I-h8-txt-msgs-How-texting-wrecking-language.html
Bibliography:
1. http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php
2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview
3. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview1
4. DeVoss, Danielle N., R J. Durding, Douglas Eyman, Kristen Flory et al.. "Teaching Digital Rhetoric: Community, Critical Engagement, and Application." Pedagogy 6.2 (2006): 231-59. Web. Project Muse. West Virginia University Library. 15 Sep. 2009 .
You have an extremely well developed idea about the aspects of SMS that you want to explore and how they relate to the spoken language and written (online) language culture of today. I think a good point to bring up is the opposing view as to why SMS lingo should not be incorporated into the spoken and written language and why it is seen as a sort of demise. You have a lot of really good questions which I think you can delve into with great detail; the only thing I could caution you about is ensuring that all those questions get answered as fully as possible - or you might consider cutting out a couple of them to give a more in depth project.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to go with this..how about adding a generational response to the use of text lingo in everyday interactions? I made the mistake of using text punctuation/capitalization on a quick note to an older teacher, and, since she views email as letter writing electronically, she was very offended. The TA, however, knew I didn't intend to offend and responded the same way
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