Extended language study

Micah Solis

Introduction

For this language study, I have chosen to focus on the language used by people in text messaging. The reason why I chose to analyse the form of language in text messaging is because I enjoy texting a lot and I myself use this kind of language in texting. Text messaging refers to the exchange of brief written messages through mobile phones using the SMS (short messaging service). Text messaging is a great communication tool as it is portable and immediate which allows quick and easy messaging that is less disruptive than a voice mail and more instant than an e-mail. SMS language/text talk is a term for the abbreviations and slang most commonly used on text messages and on the internet, particularly in email and chat. Some people prefer to use abbreviated words because it is much quicker and easier to type than the entire word, phrase, or sentence.

English: Author: Redvers. Two "welcome" messages r...

English: mobile phone text message

Texting on a qwerty keypad phone

Method of operation and activities undertaken

To collect information for my report, I started researching on the internet on websites such as: http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_language. Using the internet helped me better understand why some people prefer to use the SMS language than the standard. It has also helped me learn definitions of abbreviated words such as "BAU" which means "business as usual" and "MYOB" which means "mind your own business." I also used my personal experiences in texting to help me with my research.

Observations and Reflections

As a result of all the research I have undertaken in this assignment, I have found that some people use the SMS language mainly because they find it handier. An example of a text message containing abbreviated words is "Can I TTYL? I GTG and attend to something. Well, HAGD. TCCIC." If you are someone who...