Man, there are a few different ideas that came to mind when I was thinking about chapters that could be added to Kalmbach's article. A ton of new writing technology has come out since the invention of xeroxogrpahy, the last technology listed in this article. I decided to focus this discussion on the invention of text messaging--quite possibly the most used writing technology today. Maybe. I like to make up my own statistics, so be aware that the incredible numbers you are about to see are completely arbitrary, but I think they at least will prove a point. 90% of kids these days (kids meaning 8+) know how to text message on a phone. From what I've seen, an 8 year old typically teaches the adult how to operate a phone. 95% of teens and young adults would rather communicate over text message than talking on the phone, emailing, or using the postal service to deliver a message that takes two days minimum. Not only would 95% rather communicate over text, but 95% do communicate over text. I don't want to be obnoxious so I'll stop with the statistics. But do you at least agree with me that text messaging is the preferred communication these days for young people?
I found this particular quote found in Kalmbach's article to be quite fitting: "[typewriting] requires no especial skill in it's manipulation. A child knowing its letter may use it after an hour's instruction, and indeed any one, after short practice, can easily become able to write from 60 to 80 words per minute (quotes in Blanchard, 1981, p. E-26)." This totally relates to text messaging as well. People can learn it quickly and will be texting their fingers off in no time--probably while operating a vehicle, or maybe even walking across the cross-walk. Their is no hiding the fact that people these days communicate written language through the text messaging medium. There is no need for print, no need for good hand writing, no need for the postal service, and no need for grammatical skill. All you need is enough money to pay At&t $125 bucks for a basic cell-phone plan--what a steal.
The downside? People's writing and communication skills are declining! There is little attention paid to sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc. People use emoticons like they are vowels. And most irritatingly, people just plain out don't pay attention to whether or not their text even makes sense. Don't get me wrong, texting is great. I'm just not convinced that it is the best for maintaining good habits in written language.
Alright--here is my issue and I need you to support your argument. You write, "The downside? People's writing and communication skills are declining!"
ReplyDeleteBut maybe it's just changing and maybe it isn't even declining. Texting seems like its own language and this doesn't mean habits carry over to writing essays. Do a google search with these terms "texting and implications for writing"? Check out the first result.