Text Messaging the Language of Our Generation

Those who control knowledge, define reality (Soules, 2007). Harold Innis developed a number of theories relating to the development of technology and the effect it has on the populace and its social structure. He believed that the stability of various cultures depends on their media, or methods of communication. He suggests two types of media, one based in time, and one in space (Soules, 2007). While the Rosetta Stone would be time based, text messaging, which is light and portable, is undoubtedly based in space. According to Innis, space-based media facilitates the expansion of an empire, or government. He also believes that when the balance is tilted – and based on Barker we may wonder if the tilt is occurring – the empire is nearing the end of its lifespan. Soules considers Innis a 'technical realist'.

Barker makes it clear that communication is shifting from aural and vocal to textual, with the specific media being text messaging. A sidebar to the Barker article suggests that the switch may have far-reaching implications for the development of written communication skills. The sidebar contends that while teens communicate much less on a verbal level, outlets like Facebook, My Space, and blogs actually encourage the development of written language skills. Thus, what looks at first glance like a 'step backwards' could really be considered a return to a more educated era when writing was a skill. If this is the case then the argument might be made that Innis is indeed, correct, and we are heading for a decline.

Throughout history, technological innovation has occurred and it has been a constant in the area of communications. Whether it was carving pictures into stone, learning to use a stylus on a tablet, painting on cave walls, developing an alphabet, harnessing pigeons to carry notes, developing the pony express, or inventing the telephone, telegraph, radio, television, or satellite link, mankind has always had an innate drive to share opinion, specifically the opinion of the individual, whether he/she is a carver/birder/caller/announcer/reporter. Texting is no different; it is a sharing of opinion and communication, albeit in one line snippets. Because text messaging is so limited in length, two things happen: the texter learns to type quickly, and they learn to understand text language, which can also be called L33t.

There are a number of forms of L33t, so even in text messaging there are dialects. Some of the dialects evolved from gamers, who had to adapt not only to the game but to the fact that there were people of various languages on the games and not all of the games could read native type fonts like Korean, Thai, and so on. This makes it hard to read texts from someone outside your own circle. Adult texts tend to be easier to read, while the younger generation likes to use more symbols, letters, and crazy acronyms. In that sense it can be like a secret language, which can also be the appeal for younger teens who want privacy from their parents.

Text messages have evolved into text message slang, the same way that formal communications became street talk ("wazzup, bro?). While I agree that we are changing the course of communication, I have difficulty believing either that we are bringing the downfall of society (Innis) or that we are advancing literature (Barker). My inclination is to simply say "It is what it is" but there has been so much controversy lately over that statement that I'll just close with the observation that I thought text-slang was a new thing, you just have to ‘GROK’ it (meaning: to learn and understand how something works, typically through experimentation). Later I was talking to my aunt about the subject and she pointed out that she had an "I GROK SPOCK" t-shirt back in 1960’s. So it is interesting to learn that the "new" innovations we have...come from an older generation! It seems like the phrase "the more things change, the more they remain the same" might be very appropriate.

Some things should still be held sacred, like everyone should know you don’t break up by text message! This video on YouTube combines the absolute best of modern media. It combines video, blogging, YouTube, and My Space, as well as a great deal of sarcasm to make it entertaining – and some of the language may not be suitable for school (but we’re all adults). However, it does clearly show how the media has become interwoven with the lives of our generation.

Emphasizing the seriousness of the 'text message breakup' is grandma's actions at 5:21-5:26. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcidD2HFK8M

Works Cited

Barker, Olivia. "Inside Technology: Technology Leaves Teens Speechless." 29 May 2006. USA Today.com. 15 February 2009 .

Soules, M. "Harold Adams Innis:The Bias of Communications & Monopolies of Pow." 2007. Media Studies.ca. 15 February 2009 .

Text Message Breakup, 2006. Liam Kyle Sullivan, You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcidD2HFK8M