Commentary about the decline of language skills in the “information age”.
Hello my readers,
I understand you all may have thoughts going on right now about the elections,college,
homework, life, the latest trends or whatever, but for just a moment, stop.
That’s right, I said stop. Stop the materialistic,hyperactive rush your lives have become,
and do a little something you rarely ever likely do.
Relax and read ! Reading these days is so under-estimated and under-appreciated, as is obvious by the rampant illiteracy rate that has befallen much of today’s youth.
One thing that absolutely drives me insane is when a person feels the need to abbreviate everything into chat speak. I know, “We’re in the computer age”, probably your first thought right?
No excuse, the written word my friends will outlast even the most computer savvy of us all.
Do you really want your children growing up speaking jibberish, or would you rather be able to understand them? I’d choose the latter of the two. There is a time and place for chat speak, but nonetheless when not texting or chatting, leave the chat speak at the computer desk.
I want to be able to recieve emails and letters that I can understand.
This “BRB” and “LOL” and “GWHY” just doesn’t pass for language to me.
If I sound harsh, it is because I am annoyed with the laziness that I see when it comes to language skills these days. They teach language classes is school for a reason, and the mind is a terrible thing to waste.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
AMEN to that! I know I have quite a few typographical errors, but it really gets me steamed when I see everything written in lower-case letters, and no punctuation. What a loss for those with no love for the written word. As expected, another quality article.
April 24th, 2008 at 6:44 am
I like language, written and spoken but trying to keep up with a texting younger generation uses new skills. They are fast and furious. They have created a new generation gap, to be different and to assert themselves. Same as my generation and the generation after me. Frustrating as it is, it is part of life. Soon I will be ‘old’ and won’t be expected to keep up, bring it on! Excellent observation and article.