For this blog entry, I decided to read articles pertaining to texting language and other forms of abbreviated language. One article, titled "Text language a plus for communication provided some information about the common thoughts (that are really just misconceptions) surrounding how texting abbreviations and newer language related to technology reflects a denigration of the English language and possibly the human brain. One view from neuroscience/psychology/cognitive science that I found somewhat compelling was the argument that new media, such as texting, is affecting our brains negatively and creating shorter attention spans within humans. Some have argued that it is reflecting and perpetuating laziness within the English language (which is also seen with other languages, as well) and is creating a less intelligent, well-spoken generation.
I thought this discussion of abbreviations and technological lingo related to a previous class conversation we had about the preservation of language. When we talk about preserving a culture through language- and rediscovering/reliving/reinventing a lost culture or community through the study of their language- these quirks (abbreviations, new terms, etc) in language come to mind as extremely significant. I think there is much more that can be illustrated about a given society, community, or even a generation, through an examination of these so-called improper, non-mainstream uses of language.
Despite the accused negative effects of technology on language, the article quickly asserts that technology has a beneficial- or at least neutral- effect. There is no evidence that shows that spelling and grammar errors stem from the increase in technological communication usage. Furthermore, technological communication can break down barriers between readers and writers, and change our conceptions of language for the better. Abbreviations seem to reflect a younger generation's identity (PAW= parents are watching) and also show people's overwhelming desire and temptation to take short cuts, which manifests itself in creation of new words, phrases, and acronyms. Technological communication has also proven to be an asset to the education world, as educators are finding more ways to connect and interact with students online (through email, Twitter, etc). From my personal experience, I definitely think that email has profoundly influenced (more specifically, strengthened) my relationship with my professors, as it provides a more constant, open possibility for communication. For example, it can simply lead to an increase in communication contact between students and instructors, or it can serve to "break the ice," and lead to a student actually attending office hours or approaching a professor after class. At the same time, I do see the possible downsides to email if it indeed prevents more face to face communication from occurring, or possibly allowing and encouraging more unnecessary exchanges to take place. Email is so present in Stanford's culture that I cannot imagine an education without it as the primary means for communication. Also, I bet technology provides very teachable, illuminative moments through analyzing various online communities, postings, etc., in classes such as communication, psychology, and sociology. One could possibly learn a lot from examining online culture and communities, and comparing these findings to how these cultures and communities play out offline.
Overall, reading this article provided a very balanced report on the plusses and minuses of the new wave of technological communication. It ultimately led me to support technological communication as a means to increase language communication, proficiency, and creativity, as well as a means for education. At the same time, it also reinforced my hesitations for fully supporting the so-called technological revolution we are in. Nevertheless, I would say that the opportunities presented by technology and language-- something the article didn't mention, for example, was the increased accessibility of cheap to free resources online, such as language learning programs--are extremely significant.
Sources:
http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/tech-language-a-plus-for-communication-20100517-v860.html
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