Tech Language: gr8 or h8?

Language is constantly evolving, and even more so with the progression of modern technology, we are being forced to make new words as fast as lightning, and it’s sometimes difficult to keep track of such things. For example, we are presented with words like ‘selfies’ which has weaved itself into the Oxford English Dictionary. Of course this is a controversial subject, as there are people who are more progressive and in favour of language adapting, and those that are extremely against the idea of language developing.

Text speak is a notable feature/example of how language has been developing over time, as we’ve had to abbreviate our words. With acronyms like ‘LOL’ and ‘ROFL’ to represent laughter, or initialisms like ‘OMG’ and ‘WTF’ for exclamations (though these are not used as religiously anymore) we’ve been shortening everything down for efficiency. We only used text speak because we had to, it would be far too problematic when texting to try and type out entire words when such simple abbreviations exist. With the character limit that one would be restricted to, it was necessary for survival that text speak was used. After studies conducted too, the conclusion has been reached that there isn’t any problem for those that use text speech in terms of real writing and articulation, it all stays on the phone.

Works like ‘laptop’ and ‘PC’ have been around longer than text speak, but their existence is still a result of ever changing technology, forcing us to create words as we create the objects themselves. We are constantly required to make new words since new technologies are made so frequently now, although many words used that relate to computers and technology are merely words that already exist but adapted to a technological field too, these are called pragmatic shifts and are words such as ‘virus’. Virus has always been to relate to a bodily infection, but also can relate to an unwanted ‘infection’ on a computer that damages it. ‘Desktop’ would be another relevant example, as a desktop has just been the top surface of a desk, but now also refers to a proper computer with a tower, monitor etc., rather than a laptop.

The reason that there are a selection of people who would rather technological words don’t plague the English language is that they believe it is rather sacred and must not be tampered with, as it achieves what is necessary and as such a great language, technological advancements are ruining it. However, I believe such point of view is rather juvenile, as English has always been changing and developing, but since it happened during times where they could appreciate it they choose not to accept now technologically progressive words and speech because they don’t understand it nor do they make any attempt to.

In conclusion, I believe that it is positive that these changes in technology and language are taking place, as it opens up new possibilities and interesting or exciting developments for the English language. Text speak is so outlandish but it’s fascinating to see, and I look forward to what more extremes language goes to in the future.