Text speak and the teens

Rmeo. Rmeo. Wr4rt thow Rmeo.

It’s hardly as the bard would have put it but it seems that the criticism aimed at texting might not be 100 per cent warrented.

I have to admit that I’ve been one of the whingers in the past and become very frustrated at parents using txtspk. It frustrates me and does form part of a first impression – and that’s not always a good one.

There is, however, a new report called “Writing, Technology, and Teens.” This report suggests text language has entered into academic writing – 64 per cent of the teens surveyed admitted to this.

But, according to the writers, there is good news. Teenagers are writing more than ever. They also recognise the importance of formal writing skills. They also want more lessons in grammar.

I’m not so sure the report has it 100 per cent correct. I have a feeling that blogging rather than mobiles have influenced the writing more.

More information on the report can be found here. Definitely worth a read and it does at least support the argument that language constantly evolves and it’s not such a bad thing when it forces us to look at it.