Sup? Nmu? Nm. Aight ttyl.

Recently, I was exploring the world wide web and blogosphere in search of ideas for my blog. My quest was momentarily interrupted by an instant message on Facebook sent by one of my friends. It read: sup dood, howd the test go 2day? ugh i effing hate dat class... * I was absolutely appalled at his abuse of the English language. Haha, only kidding. Truthfully, I talk like that all the time over the internet. However, this is the first time that I've ever wondered about the ramafications of chat-speak.

After some perusing (if you haven't noticed from my past posts, I like that word a lot), I found this little number: Social Criticisms of Chat Rooms and Texting Language. One of the major concerns brought up in the article is how writing is changing as it aquires "some of the functions and figures of speech." The critics fear that this new branch of hybrid-English made up of slang words and abbreviations is gradually taking over common grammar. Adolescents, the most egregious offenders, are "changing the face of literacy" worldwide.

Now, for my big two questions:
Is this a bad thing?

What are the implications of this phenomenon?

I decided to write this blog because of my appreciation for language. I love to see how writers use language to convey emotions, to make us think and to capture the beauty of the world we live in. So, my initial reaction to this chat-speak takeover was negative. Can you imagine Hamlet starting with 2 b or not 2 b: that is the Q...? I really don't see the beauty in that. It's hard enough (some may say impossible) to adiquately capture emotions and the human experience using complete words. I cannot envision chat-speak even coming close to expressing those complexities.

Despite this, I cannot say that I am vehimently opposed to chat-speak. It's convenience is unmatched, (especially on my old, keyboard-less phone). In fact, it is very probable, perhaps inevitable, that I will continue to use slang words and abbreviations. In today's world where time is money, it pays to be quick. The world is becoming faster-paced each day as technology advances. Young people are simply adapting to what they are given and in doing so, they have become innovators in many fields including communication and lanuage.

I find that a similar connection can be made to the evolution of music. As technology has advanced, the sound of music (no pun intended) has changed dramatically. From the electric guitar to the 808 drum machine to music computer programs that autotune sounds, music has progressed over time. Young people of each generation have adapted to these technological developments and changed the way we listen to music. Now, y music-language metaphor is not perfect and eventually breaks down. It is easy enough to continue listening to music from the past. Not as easy to speak in a language from the past. But, this metaphor has helped me keep an open mind to chat-speak. I like music from many time periods and appreciate the different styles and genres. If music can go through such significant transformations and still be "good" (very subjective), then I think it's possible that language can as well.

Feel free to COMMENT with your view on the evolution of the English language regarding chat-speak

Also, I stumbled across Peter Lee Johnson on Youtube.com. He is an extraordinary violinist in the Popular Music Performance Program at USC. In his videos, he takes a traditionally classical instrument and improvises over pop songs, creating something incredible.

Evolution and adaptation at their finest:

*I'm going to be completely honest. I made up that message entirely because I couldn't remember any of my recent instant message conversations. However, a message like that could have easily been sent by one of my friends; of that I am certain.