Is it so much trouble to type, not write mind you, type 'later' instead of 'l8r'?
Well, yes. Yes, it is a difference. Even more in the case of such phrases as 'I don't know' = 'idk'.
But it's only a few extra keystrokes! How lazy can you be?!
Therein lies the misconception: It isn't a matter of effort but one of expediency. This can be seen clearest within the activity of mobile texting. This usually takes place through the use of a numpad or, more recently, one of those slide-out QWERTY pads. With a numpad the difference of two characters can become several more button presses. Again, you can sneer all you want about how little extra effort is required there but can you really tell me there's something wrong with taking the easy route when the purpose, communication, is not adversely affected?
Speaking from the perspective of an MMORPG player, fewer keystrokes means efficiency as well. That also applies to instant messaging.
I will say this though: The shorthand, while appropriate (yes, I will go so far as to say 'appropriate') for texting and IMing, is not appropriate for use on more thoughtful writings such as emails and articles. The latter activities do not have the here-and-now spontaneity that calls for acronyms in lieu of commonly used phrases.
What do you think? If you cringe when you see 'lol', what would you have us do instead? 'haha'?
I don't mind acronyms, and I get it with texts. But when I'm chatting with someone and they say something like "their not going", I see what the elders meant about typing a few extra keys. If it was more on the common side to try and use correct grammar from the start, we'd learn what's typo'd and the correct way to spell it, which would definitely help us on the future and prevent us from using their incorrectly. Just an example, but in general I agree. It's part of new communication.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind it in texts. But if you're even typing in a messenger on a computer you should be able to type things out.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind abbreviations in texts, but at least make it legible. Though it isn't just young people who do it, here's one I got the other day from a friend. She is a 34 year old hotel manager:
ReplyDelete"Hey,just calld ya-wantd 2 leave a msg but i dint hear a name so i duna know if itz ur # still-wantd 2 know if u wantd 2 grab a byt or bevy...hola when u can"
i'm going to defy your expectations here and agree with you. texting with abbreviations just makes good sense. i personally don't do it, however.
ReplyDeleteshorhand in text messages are ok, but when you want to make a favourable impression on someone you should always spell words correctly
ReplyDeleteHi Henry, I stumble upon your blog from one of the blogs I follow :)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind abbreviations especially in text. People and the younger generation just want to make the most out of the characters they have on the phone. That will save them a lot in the long run.
But I would prefer complete words on chat and emails. It's more formal.
With regards to shorthand. It's written according to how the words were pronounce however when transcribed back to longhand they should be written on proper spelling.
Just my thought though :)
The zeitgeist of the era is to write "lol." Typing "haha" makes it seem like the joke wasn't actually funny and that you are laughing condescendingly.
ReplyDeleteis a problem. then to write so. when they need to write something correctly is going to be confused
ReplyDelete@D4: Oh, you are absolutely right about grammar. Grammar is one thing that should not be tossed out for expediency. Even when utilizing shorthand I don't confuse 'their' with 'they're'.
ReplyDelete@Sey: Hope you liked what you read here today then (O_<)-b
@Ivan Montiel: 'Zeitgeist' you say? Haven't seen that word in use in a while. Thanks for the next post idea though!