I don't know if this irritates anyone else on here, but why, oh why, do some people insist on typing as if they are sending an SMS text message on a mobile phone?
I have seem 4sum (for some), 2nt (tonight) the usual str8 (straight) and many others.
Please ladies and gentleman - you are not that restricted on the size of the post you can make in here. Take a little time and type in English not txt.
Make it seem as if you have enough interest in what you are saying to take a little care over it.
Mrs Peel
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Why do people write in SMS terms
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:?It is yoof cultureemma...
Perhaps it is just that typing is like hard work, and spelling out big words is difficult, even finding the text editor is a chore...fast furious society, going to the dogs....
Spelling is something they let go nowadays, because it is the meaning that counts, and I have seen so many people who say they are dyslexic, it makes you cringe. my brother suffered this for ages, and I think i know a genuine case, i am not the best, but I try to learn as I go.
Besides writing words into sentences involves the old grey matter...perhaps this is the real reason....if you saw the channel4 program on back to school, you will know all too well it is not as it used to be?
Perhaps it is just that typing is like hard work, and spelling out big words is difficult, even finding the text editor is a chore...fast furious society, going to the dogs....
Spelling is something they let go nowadays, because it is the meaning that counts, and I have seen so many people who say they are dyslexic, it makes you cringe. my brother suffered this for ages, and I think i know a genuine case, i am not the best, but I try to learn as I go.
Besides writing words into sentences involves the old grey matter...perhaps this is the real reason....if you saw the channel4 program on back to school, you will know all too well it is not as it used to be?
I know it has been posted before - and there is a risk we will now disappear down the same road as te morse code string but....
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
Sex God
WOW. I understood every word of that! Aren't psychologists clever? 8)
Sex God
I don't think you can print individual posts from the forum, but you could always highlight, copy it into Word and then you can print it out.
Sex God
Oh yeah, there is a problem with that sometimes, soz, I forgot. You'll have to do it long hand then - open Word and type the message into it yourself!
I dunno all this bloody technology and we cant even cut and paste. Mind you shows you what a lazy nation we are becoming doesn't it. It would probably only take me 5-10 mins to do it the long hand way and I have wasted probably 30 mins since my first post looking for a shortcut. We save time in funny ways dont we 
It will also work if you click quote.
Highlight works correctly from the quote inserted in your reply box.
All you need to do after you have cut & paste is click back on your browser to exit the reply.
Hugs,
Mrs Peel
That bit of text is excellent isn't it - I have it in an email somewhere with a few other clever bits.
Highlight works correctly from the quote inserted in your reply box.
All you need to do after you have cut & paste is click back on your browser to exit the reply.
Hugs,
Mrs Peel
That bit of text is excellent isn't it - I have it in an email somewhere with a few other clever bits.
Sex God
There have been a lot of replies from people who don't use these abbreviations, but none from people who do. I understand why: would you post in a thread in which your habits are being openly attacked? But I think it's a shame. I've said before that people fascinate me, and I have a never-satisfied need to know why people do the things that they do. I'm genuinely curious.
I can think up any number of plausible reasons, but I don't have any way of knowing which (if any) are correct. Why do people write that way?
I can think up any number of plausible reasons, but I don't have any way of knowing which (if any) are correct. Why do people write that way?
Warming the Bed
I forget where I read or heard it, but I'm sure there was something about someone who had done a complete GSCE paper last summer in the SMS text :shock: Sorry this is half story 
as I can't rememer the subject or outcome, does anyone else?
Rachel
as I can't rememer the subject or outcome, does anyone else? Rachel
You've recalled it about right Rachel80 - I can't be sure, but I imagine the outcome was that it was considered unacceptable in an exam.
Let's face it - once such a kid goes into the workplace, they simply can't get away with such sloppy, lazy, childish nonsense (this coming from me - a very poor speller ).
Some links to 3 brief BBC reports:-
Let's face it - once such a kid goes into the workplace, they simply can't get away with such sloppy, lazy, childish nonsense (this coming from me - a very poor speller
).Some links to 3 brief BBC reports:-
Sex God
While googling for a reference to the GCSE story, I came across this: . It's interesting reading, if you find that sort of thing interesting.
If you take the view that "English" is in fact a collection of related but distinct languages, with written and spoken varieties ranging from colloquial to formal, then txt can be viewed as simply another language. SMS messages are an enormously popular form of communication. I suspect that for many people txt has become their primary written language (for writing if not for reading) because of this.
If you take the view that "English" is in fact a collection of related but distinct languages, with written and spoken varieties ranging from colloquial to formal, then txt can be viewed as simply another language. SMS messages are an enormously popular form of communication. I suspect that for many people txt has become their primary written language (for writing if not for reading) because of this.
Quote by KitKat
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
Blocklos !!
:wink: i also concur. its a method of communicating that is easy with practice. it more often than not does save time. like me writing this with just about no punctuation. if the meaning is understood is any more necessary? the previous comments aren't fully punctuated so they arent the queens english!! todays will have changed by tomorrow anyway.
my 
1st message on here, so i'll just say a quick hi 2 all you kinky peeps!!!! keep it real (ahem) ltr
my
1st message on here, so i'll just say a quick hi 2 all you kinky peeps!!!! keep it real (ahem) ltr Sex God
I don't mean evolving in the sense that it will replace other forms of written English. It's a new language, developed to fill a new niche. I don't think it is appropriate outside that niche.
I wouldn't use colloquial written English in a job application, where formal English is more appropriate. Similarly, I wouldn't use txt in emails, where more colloquial English is expected. I certainly wouldn't attempt to use spoken English in any written context. Try recording a conversation, and write down exactly what is said: hesitations, repetitions, unfinished sentences, and all. It will look like complete nonsense, but when spoken it is perfectly natural.
My theory, entirely unsupported by experimental evidence:
I don't think falling education standards are to blame. I think that SMS has resulted in people writing more than they did in the past, and that has changed the language that people are most familiar with.
If you don't write much, you're not going to keep several different forms in practice.
Previously, the little practice that most people had in writing was in a context where the traditional forms of written English were suitable. Since that was the bulk of their writing, that became the standard form that they used everywhere.
Now, in addition to that writing, people are doing a lot more SMS messaging. txt is appropriate there. Since most of their writing is in txt, that becomes their (one) written language.
Does that make sense?
I wouldn't use colloquial written English in a job application, where formal English is more appropriate. Similarly, I wouldn't use txt in emails, where more colloquial English is expected. I certainly wouldn't attempt to use spoken English in any written context. Try recording a conversation, and write down exactly what is said: hesitations, repetitions, unfinished sentences, and all. It will look like complete nonsense, but when spoken it is perfectly natural.
My theory, entirely unsupported by experimental evidence:
I don't think falling education standards are to blame. I think that SMS has resulted in people writing more than they did in the past, and that has changed the language that people are most familiar with.
If you don't write much, you're not going to keep several different forms in practice.
Previously, the little practice that most people had in writing was in a context where the traditional forms of written English were suitable. Since that was the bulk of their writing, that became the standard form that they used everywhere.
Now, in addition to that writing, people are doing a lot more SMS messaging. txt is appropriate there. Since most of their writing is in txt, that becomes their (one) written language.
Does that make sense?
Quote by DJohn
I don't mean evolving in the sense that it will replace other forms of written English. It's a new language, developed to fill a new niche. I don't think it is appropriate outside that niche.
I wouldn't use colloquial written English in a job application, where formal English is more appropriate. Similarly, I wouldn't use txt in emails, where more colloquial English is expected. I certainly wouldn't attempt to use spoken English in any written context. Try recording a conversation, and write down exactly what is said: hesitations, repetitions, unfinished sentences, and all. It will look like complete nonsense, but when spoken it is perfectly natural.
My theory, entirely unsupported by experimental evidence:
I don't think falling education standards are to blame. I think that SMS has resulted in people writing more than they did in the past, and that has changed the language that people are most familiar with.
If you don't write much, you're not going to keep several different forms in practice.
Previously, the little practice that most people had in writing was in a context where the traditional forms of written English were suitable. Since that was the bulk of their writing, that became the standard form that they used everywhere.
Now, in addition to that writing, people are doing a lot more SMS messaging. txt is appropriate there. Since most of their writing is in txt, that becomes their (one) written language.
Does that make sense?
You're not my A-Level English Language teacher are you?
OK - can I just say something.
I was not attacking anyone here. It is more the growing tendancy for the use of SMS txt as a replacement for english.
I think there IS a place for SMS. On mobiles phones where space is limited, then it is the sensible and most econimical option. Also in a chat room where the conversation is fast and furious at times, it also makes sense.
However in places such as the forum, in emails and in letters, my own personal opinion is that it english should be used. It doesn't matter really if there is mis-spelling or bad punctuation as I know many have not had the benefit of the education that others may have done (I know my grammar leaves a lot to be desired at times).
I agree with DJohn that SMS txt is a form of language which can sit alongside the ever evolving english language. It should not be used as a replacement however.
Anyway - this is just my opinion.
I was not attacking anyone here. It is more the growing tendancy for the use of SMS txt as a replacement for english.
I think there IS a place for SMS. On mobiles phones where space is limited, then it is the sensible and most econimical option. Also in a chat room where the conversation is fast and furious at times, it also makes sense.
However in places such as the forum, in emails and in letters, my own personal opinion is that it english should be used. It doesn't matter really if there is mis-spelling or bad punctuation as I know many have not had the benefit of the education that others may have done (I know my grammar leaves a lot to be desired at times).
I agree with DJohn that SMS txt is a form of language which can sit alongside the ever evolving english language. It should not be used as a replacement however.
Anyway - this is just my opinion.
Ok I'll stand up and be counted. Guilty as charged.
I cant explain why i type in text form , i guess its habit, picked up from chatting in chat rooms. I find they move so fast and being a two finger , have to look at the keys type of person, by using abriviations is the only way i manage to keep up with a room. If i typed out my responce in the correct english i probably would get left behind.
I'm trying hard to stop myself from doing txt type, and will always make the effort in my posts from now on.
My spelling isnt fantastic, i came from the old school of phonically spelling, but this does not always work, and by looking at the word and deciding if it looks right , but to reiterate i dont actually look at the screen while typing.I will proof read posts from now on though.
This is just sounding like a load of old pants now so I'll shut up, say SORRY and sneek away .
I cant explain why i type in text form , i guess its habit, picked up from chatting in chat rooms. I find they move so fast and being a two finger , have to look at the keys type of person, by using abriviations is the only way i manage to keep up with a room. If i typed out my responce in the correct english i probably would get left behind.
I'm trying hard to stop myself from doing txt type, and will always make the effort in my posts from now on.
My spelling isnt fantastic, i came from the old school of phonically spelling, but this does not always work, and by looking at the word and deciding if it looks right , but to reiterate i dont actually look at the screen while typing.I will proof read posts from now on though.
This is just sounding like a load of old pants now so I'll shut up, say SORRY and sneek away .
Quote by DJohn
There have been a lot of replies from people who don't use these abbreviations, but none from people who do. I understand why: would you post in a thread in which your habits are being openly attacked? But I think it's a shame. I've said before that people fascinate me, and I have a never-satisfied need to know why people do the things that they do. I'm genuinely curious.
I can think up any number of plausible reasons, but I don't have any way of knowing which (if any) are correct. Why do people write that way?
ok since reading this and writing my reply, in proper english there were 5 new posts
im going to be left behind
I already have abandoment issues :upset: Quote by fem_4_taboo
Ok I'll stand up and be counted. Guilty as charged.
I cant explain why i type in text form , i guess its habit, picked up from chatting in chat rooms. I find they move so fast and being a two finger , have to look at the keys type of person, by using abriviations is the only way i manage to keep up with a room. If i typed out my responce in the correct english i probably would get left behind.
I'm trying hard to stop myself from doing txt type, and will always make the effort in my posts from now on.
My spelling isnt fantastic, i came from the old school of phonically spelling, but this does not always work, and by looking at the word and deciding if it looks right , but to reiterate i dont actually look at the screen while typing.I will proof read posts from now on though.
This is just sounding like a load of old pants now so I'll shut up, say SORRY and sneek away .
Fem - please please don't think I was getting at anyone personally - that was so far from the truth. It's not those who use the odd bit of shorthand, rather those postings which look like a text you would receive on your phone. Mind you, I type long hand on the phone too.
Hugs, Mrs Peel x x
