RA #2: Are Digital Media Changing Language?

"These days you sometimes hear students saying "brb" (be right back) to one another when they temporarily take their leave. I have also overheard "lol" (laughing out loud) in conversations among young people. However, these neologisms need to be put into perspective. Infusion of written acronyms into everyday speech is a common linguistic process—to wit, RSVP, AWOL, or ASAP. If a few more lexical shortenings make their way into general usage, that's nothing out of the ordinary." (Naomi Barton, 2009)

Why was language and written words created? Is it so that we can sound intelligent and educated? Of course not! Language was created as a form of communication. We have made it into so much more, which by itself is fine. Elaborate language can be used to create works of art and expression, such as the writings of Shakespeare and other masters of the English language. Language also needs rules and structure, which makes it consistent across the board. However, at times, we forget the main purpose of language. If proper grammar is followed but the message is not successfully conveyed, then the communication has been a failure. If poor grammar is used and the message is understood, the communication has been successful. For successful communication to take place, it involves a clear message from the sender as well as a clear understanding from the receiver. As long as these two things take place, the language used has served its purpose. The introduction of text messaging into society is not the first example of taking short cuts with the English language. There have long been classes that teach you short-hand, as well as commonly used phrases such as RSVP and ASAP. When these shortcuts begin to affect successful communication, then we have a major societal problem. Until then, perhaps we are making "Much Ado About Nothing."

Reference:
Barton, Naomi S. (2009) Are Digital Media Changing Language?
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Are-Digital-Media-Changing-Language%C2%A2.aspx