Personal Opinion on Shorthand Communication - Essay Example

For instance, ‘lol’ stands for ‘laugh out loud’ whereas ‘b4’ stands for ‘before.’ Shorthand messaging usually hinders smooth communication between persons of different generations, especially between teenage students and middle-aged teachers in schools (Lenore, 2012). In this context, a section of the languages fraternity discourages the use of shorthand messaging while the other portion encourages communication behavior. I am fond of shorthand messaging. Not only would I encourage the young generation to use shorthand messaging, but I would also provide a nurturing environment for the shorthand communication culture to blossom.

Conservatives who are against the use of shorthand writing allege that abbreviations in communication are an outright assault on formal English. However, I believe that shorthand messaging is a natural evolution of the English language. Undeniably, today’s formal English is substantially different from the formal English used in Shakespearian times. Language is a dynamic cultural component that evolves naturally with time (Lenore, 2012). Therefore, restricting the use of shorthand communication is an outright assault on cultural dynamism. In addition, I believe that language is a medium of expression; a channel through which one’s ideas and thoughts are documented. Instant messaging technologies today provide a means through which young people express themselves in a comfortable and simplified manner. Teachers hate to embrace the fact that teenagers in school would shallowly express themselves were they to use formal writing in-class work (Lenore, 2012). For example, the use of a frowning face at the end of an argument signifies the presence of a counter-argument. Whenever shorthand communications are restricted, students fail to present their arguments wholly, partly because they are not accustomed to formal writing, and also because they are innately uncomfortable with dictates of language conservatisms.

In conclusion, it emerges that shorthand instant-messaging style is an essential part of language evolution. It is more like the English language is taking its natural course. The use of any given language is only determined by its users. Habitual violation of traditional language rules represents popular decisions made by young language users. Unfortunately, the entire population of English language users may neither agree nor encourage the use of shorthand communication styles (Lenore, 2012). Nonetheless, those willing to push the language’s boundaries naturally do so with limited influence from the dictates of the critics. B4 discouraging abbreviations in communication, it is worth acknowledging the effectiveness of shorthand messaging in facilitating efficient communication between young persons. In this regard, the blossoming shorthand instant messaging belongs to the young generation, and should not be uprooted by condescending adults.