Why do people use cell phone text language here?

Question

It can't be a matter of space for we've got around 1000 characters to answer a question... Is it supposed to be cool? Should I be using it too? Not Bristish (or English mother tongue for that matter), nor living in UK, by the way. Total British fan however!

to pugsley: thanks for your answer but it's not quite clear to me how "using 'txt spk' ....restricts the development of intelligence and reasoning! ESPECIALLY if you are not a native English speaker". I actually find it amuzing, stimulating and "pro-creative", though I tend to keep it for texting only.

On the other hand, by reading other people's text lingo, I've been learning a lot of clever short forms! I'm loving it! Thank you all!

Answer 1

I'm glad you brought this up. I myself wonder about this constantly. I suppose people think they can get away with it because it's the internet (IM, page forums, email, etc.), therefore proper grammar and punctuation isn't needed. However, when it comes to the infamous "lol" (laughing out loud), I am guilty as charged!

Answer 2

I can understand why many (especially younger) people might use 'text language' with mobile 'phones - it's quick and simple. However, for answering questions such as yours (which was clearly and consisely written, by the way), I feel it is not only courteous to use decent English, but that well written responses make for easier understanding. Furthermore, the ability to write good English is an essential requirement for any body who intends to make progress in a wide variety of professional fields, from scientist to airline pilot.
It is appreciated that some people are 'bilingual', in that they are competent in both 'text' and 'normal' English, but there is a fast growing group (mainly younger school students), that has become so used to employing text language that its members are unable to write in standard English. Indeed, the situation is getting so dire that one UK examination board is proposing to accept work written in 'text speak'! If this idea takes off, then the only people who will be relied upon to write competently and confidently in standard English will be so-called foreigners who have been taught traditional English properly.
A young Iranian I know speaks and writes English infinitely better than many young (and some old, for that matter!) native speakers of English. Her e-mail letters are models of clarity. It's ironic that some one who is yet to visit England is actually more competent than many native speakers.

So, the answer to the last part of your question is a resounding No! You are obviously very skilled in English already, so I suggest you strive to become even more competent... you then might end up coming to the UK to teach British school students to use their own language properly!

Answer 3

They do not know how to write and are lazy.
English and spelling does not seem to be taught in the schools any more.
My grandchildren tell me they do not have to learn spelling as there is "spellchecker" on the computer.

If the schools do not teach how is anyone supposed to learn?? This is the generation that is going to lose their language since they do not learn how important language is some other country will start infiltrating their language and there goes the English...

Answer 4

It is not just text language, it's shorthand for computer messaging as well, so as this is a computer forum I would suppose the habit has spilled over.

I know that after using yahoo messenger for many years now, I find that I have to consciously use full words (and capitals where appropriate) when I am emailing a letter.

I must admit it makes typing a lot easier, when you cannot type, to use abbreviations and shorthand.

Answer 5

Sheer laziness, and even worse, some think it's CLEVER ! ! !
All it really is is abuse of the English language. No more, no less.
As for being quicker, it sounds more like an excuse to use by those who, because they didn't pay enough attention at school now find they can't read or write properly and think we all have to descend to their level in order to be understood.

Answer 6

My friend, please don't be tempted to follow this ridiculous fashion! Using 'txt spk' renders basic sentences illegible and restricts the development of intelligence and reasoning! ESPECIALLY if you are not a native English speaker, you should not use it!!

Answer 7

I think it is because of one or a combination of the following reasons:
They can't spell.
They are lazy.
They think it's cool.
It's quicker.
They are so used to using text speak on their mobiles that they automatically transfer it to e-mail.

There may be others :-)
I personally don't - but you should do whatever you're comfortable with.

Answer 8

i speak text speak on here sometimes but not all the time

i will do the one that i have just wrote as an example

i speak txt speak on here sumtimes bt nt all the time

hope this helps

:)

Answer 9

I think its cool. I find it really hard not 2 use text language here lyk. You just get used 2 writing that way and then u cant go bak.

Answer 10

wel we cn basically communicate dis kinda communicate. the place we abreviate all typ of stuf so we are saying lol, and sk8 and l8r. Nah humorous tale, I communicate good, and maximum of my friends do. i can spell sturdy, numerous folk can.