by Silva Payne

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 01, 2011

English is the first or native language of around 400 million individuals and a second language of somewhere between 500 and 1000 million more. The English language is in no danger of being destroyed by text messaging or any other new fad that arrives via modern technology.

The advent of mass mobile communications may even increase the use of the English language still further, in all its variations. When we talk about "the English language", we are actually referring to many different styles of speaking and writing that fall under the umbrella term of "English language".

Written English differs greatly from spoken English, even within a specific dialect or pigeon. Language is used (and some would say abused) in many different ways, relating to the medium of expression. For example, those who write newspaper reports use the English language in a very different way to those who write poetry or who speak as a radio announcer. Even by writing this article now, I am using my native English language in a way I would not normally do for work or on the telephone with friends.

The style of English is adapted to fit the mode of delivery, whether that be by handwritten message or by sending a text.

The ability to send truncated messages in an abbreviated format that are still understood is an evolution of the first telegram message sent on 24 May 1844 by Samuel L Morse. The last telegram sent by Western Union was on 2 February 2006, marking the end of an era that undoubtedly spawned the Internet as we know it today along with emails and text messages. Just as the telegram did not destroy the English language, neither can it be said that emails of text messaging have that capacity.

Seeing a language in its written form is important to the individual's ability to understand sentence structure and grammatical use. Written English when used correctly, even in an abbreviated form, strips away all the vocal inflections of accent. It is a standard language, and as such is used in the Medical arena and by many other professions as an internationally-used language of communication.

The merging of the sound of some English words with the written form that produces text messaging has never been intended to replace the formal language. It is simply a means to an end, a form of digital graffiti that is quick and temporary in nature.

The English language as it is used today is not at all the same as it was 50, 100 or 1000 years ago. It is continually evolving, taking on words from other languages and developing new meanings for existing words within English. It is a fluid and beautiful language with so much variety and scope, which can prove confusing at times for those trying to learn it but ultimately provides as wonderful means of expression for many millions of people around the world.

Text messaging is just another development along the language's path; it's nevr 2 l8 2 learn.

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