Get a quote
Loading Form..

Do You Speak Fluent SMS?

May 7, 2024


In our digital age, the art of messaging flourishes, weaving through the fabric of daily life with the swift touch of a button. From the cozy confines of your living room or the bustling atmosphere of a busy coffee shop, you can bridge time zones, connecting with friends, family, or colleagues using your gadget of choice. That's the power of text messaging right in the palm of your hand.

But why do we text? While a message might serve multiple purposes, one primary goal shines through. The essence of any message boils down to the sender's intent. So it's up to the reader to peel back the layers to understand not only the "what" but the "why" behind the text that features creative abbreviations, iconic symbols, and a message -or- statement -or- something.

Texting has also birthed its own unique language, a form of shorthand writing peppered with abbreviations, emoticons, and an audacious disregard for the strict rules of grammar that our grandmothers and English teachers hold dear. This shorthand allows for real-time chats with friends, turning conversations into rapid exchanges of thoughts and laughter. But there is a common belief among some that texting is the harbinger of doom for the English language

SMS evolves as a digital language...

The art of crafting messages, known as SMS (Short Message Service) language, or affectionately dubbed textese, has revolutionized the way we communicate. Why type out "laugh out loud" when three simple letters, LOL, convey the same message with less effort and more efficiency? This phenomenon is the equivalent of a digital secret handshake, instantly recognizable among those fluent in the casual, quickfire exchanges of text messages and internet dialogues.

Designed to save precious time, conserve space, and minimize the gymnastics your thumbs have to perform on that tiny keyboard, this unique form of digital dialect was born out of necessity and fueled by the rapid rise of mobile connections, instant messaging platforms and the sprawling world of social media. So, welcome to the world of text messaging, where less truly is more and a few well-chosen characters can speak volumes about the sender.

Is Texting Closer to a Written or Spoken Word?

In a world where communication unfolds at the speed of thought, texting slang emerges not as a dilution of language, but as its vibrant evolution. It's a fascinating use of words and icons, where each message is like a pulse of thought, a snapshot of that moment. Next time you receive a message brimming with abbreviations and emoticons, remember you're witnessing language in motion, evolving right before your eyes in the most intriguing ways.

This linguistic revolution isn't just about shortcuts; it's a testament to human ingenuity in the face of technology's challenges. Professor John McWhorter of Columbia University offers an even more fascinating perspective, viewing texting as a form of fingered speech. This suggests that our online interactions are closer to an organic dialogue than a crafty piece of writing. It is a unique hybrid form of communication that captures the essence of spontaneity and brevity.

Texting also extends into creative territories with alphanumeric expressions such as "L8r" for later and "Gr8" for great, painting a picture of innovation and adaptation. The ellipsis (known as dot dot dot) is a series of dots that indicates an intentional omission of a word, sentence, or whole section. In some cases, the symbol 'p' is used to represent a tongue sticking out emoticon that is often used at the end to covey humor or establish a joking tone.

Why Today’s Consumers Prefer Texting

In the bustling communication landscape in America, texting reigns almost supreme (92%), nestled a step behind mobile calls (95%) in the hierarchy for the most popular modes of conversation. Encompassing a spectrum that ranges from the heartfelt messages exchanged among family to the more formal dispatches in today's business world, text messaging has woven itself into the fabric of daily communication.

Texting today is a world where visual symbols reign supreme, crafting messages that can pass through the noise without need for auditory dominance. It creates an asynchronous dance of dialogue allowing your message to be delivered without demanding immediate attention, which in turn allows the recipient the luxury of responding at their leisure. So, SMS is a language that is delivered seamlessly as a less-intrusive alternative, while granting space to be digested.

When you repeat certain activities like texting over and over, it can combine with the auditory and visual cues from the electronic device to trigger the release of chemical messengers (dopamine) in the brain. This offers a quick hit of satisfaction with every ping or nudge. Despite its merits, however, the charm of the mobile phone still holds a special place for a considerable portion of the population, marking the coexistence of both old and new digital methods of communications.

______________________

In essence, texting embodies the digital age's insistence on swift, convenient, and non-intrusive communication. So no one is faced with the dreaded ring of an unexpected phone call, as that becomes a task of the past with SMS messaging language that allows you stay perpetually connected. At ProLingo, we encourage everyone to exercise their language skills whenever the opportunity arises. Call 800.287.9755 to learn more about any of our professional language services.

Client Spotlight
PROLINGO CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Thank you very much for making our World Congress an outstanding success. I have a special thank you for you and your team of interpreters. I know it was a huge undertaking, but you made it seem so effortless. The simultaneous interpretation was excellent. Your staff was extremely professional and patient with the attendees. I am looking forward to working with you and your group in the near future.
- T. Washington, Convention Logistics Manager

5 / 5 stars

Get a Free Quote

Loading Form..