by J.B. Doyle

Created on: July 18, 2009

I worked at a computer company for seven years. I didn't allow employees under me to write emails or handwritten notes using numbers and letters for words, explaining the importance of professionalism in our line of work. Of course, I had to help spell a lot of words, but I didn't mind.

I cringe when I receive e-mails using such sentences as "U can C 4 URself". I sometimes feel that the writer doesn't consider me worth the time of actually spelling. Sometimes I'll hear people speaking in text language without even realizing it. That's something that people need to be aware of, if they care to be understood.

"Textese" should never be allowed in classroom work or workplace correspondence. To me it conveys laziness and a lack of sincerity. What must the receiver of such language think of the sender? How can such work be taken seriously? To stay ahead in today's job market, effective communication and perception of intelligence and professionalism in the workplace is vital in these days of layoffs and cutbacks.

I have no issues with texting language, as long as it is limited to text messaging. But it must not spill over into every day writing. Text language use in commercials and signs is becoming disheartening, and annoying. Advertisers seem to feel this type of language will result in irresistible catch phrases, thus raising the revenue of businesses. I strongly disagree.

However, we seem to have encouraged this type of behavior ourselves. Shortening words or medical terms into abbreviations doesn't encourage spelling or understanding of the English language. IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. Attention deficit disorder is referred to as ADD. Fast food restaurants are often referred to by initials; does anyone really believe that makes them "cooler" to young people? My firm belief is that we can all take the time to say the actual words. We need to convey that ability and importance of speaking and writing well to upcoming generations.

Do I think people will forget how to speak the English language? No. But I also can't imagine future works of literature filled with text words. That's what I want to avoid. I was grateful to see the invention of cell phones with entire tiny keyboards to allow us word nerds to text comfortably. Kids need to know how to avoid lowering their grades by using text language in papers. People need to know how to write and speak using actual words. So, let's make sure we all keep text language where it belongs, in texting.

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