John McWhorter: Txtng is killing language. JK!!!

Summary

This script challenges the notion that texting is detrimental to literacy, arguing instead that it represents an evolution in language use. It posits that texting is a form of 'fingered speech' that mirrors casual conversation, not formal writing. The speaker explores how texting has developed its own conventions, like 'LOL' and 'slash,' which serve specific communicative functions. They suggest that texting is an additional linguistic skill, akin to being bilingual, and part of a rich, evolving language landscape.

Takeaways

• 📲 Texting is not a decline in literacy but an evolution in language use, reflecting a new form of communication.
• 🗣️ Language primarily originated as speech, with writing being a later development, and texting is a modern form of 'fingered speech'.
• ⏳ Historically, there has been a clear distinction between speech and writing, with formal speech often mirroring written language.
• 💬 Casual speech is characterized by shorter word packets and a more telegraphic style, unlike the structured prose of formal writing.
• 😄 The use of 'LOL' in texting has evolved beyond indicating laughter, now serving as a pragmatic particle to convey empathy and accommodation.
• 🔄 The 'slash' in texting is used to change the topic or scene in a conversation, similar to how one might transition topics in spoken language.
• 📚 Concerns over the decline of language skills are not new, with historical examples dating back to the 19th century and earlier.
• 🌐 Texting represents a new linguistic system that is developing alongside traditional writing skills, enriching the cognitive abilities of its users.
• 🔑 The development of texting language shows the adaptability and creativity of young people in creating a medium that suits their communication needs.
• 🚀 Texting could be seen as a form of bidialectal writing, offering cognitive benefits similar to those of being bilingual or bidialectal in speech.
• 🔍 The evolution of texting language is a 'linguistic miracle' that warrants further study to understand its impact and development over time.

Q & A

What is the common belief about the impact of texting on literacy and writing ability among young people?

The common belief is that texting leads to a decline in serious literacy and writing ability among young people, suggesting that it is a scourge on language skills.

Why is the idea that texting is causing a decline in literacy considered incorrect according to the script?

The script argues that this idea is incorrect because texting is not actually writing but a form of 'fingered speech,' and it represents an emergent complexity in language rather than a decline.

How does the script differentiate between speech and writing in terms of language evolution?

The script explains that speech has existed for much longer, possibly 150,000 years, while writing came much later, only around 11:07 p.m. in a 24-hour analogy of human existence, making it a relatively recent development.

What is the traditional estimate of when writing was invented in the context of human history?

According to the traditional estimate, if humanity had existed for 24 hours, writing was invented around 11:07 p.m., indicating it is a recent development in the history of language.

How does the script describe the difference between formal written language and casual speech?

The script describes formal written language as being more structured, reflective, and using complex sentences, unlike casual speech, which is looser, more telegraphic, and consists of word packets of about seven to ten words.

What is the role of 'LOL' in modern texting as described in the script?

In modern texting, 'LOL' has evolved from meaning 'laughing out loud' to serving as a marker of empathy and accommodation, functioning as a pragmatic particle in the language of texting.

How has the use of the word 'slash' changed in texting according to the script?

The script explains that 'slash' in texting has taken on a new role as a scene-changing device, allowing for topic shifts in a conversation, which is different from its traditional use as a separator in phrases.

What historical pattern does the script highlight regarding concerns over language and writing skills?

The script highlights a recurring pattern throughout history where each generation has expressed concerns about the language and writing skills of the younger generation, suggesting it is a common societal worry rather than a new phenomenon.

How does the script suggest that texting could be beneficial for young people's cognitive abilities?

The script suggests that texting, as a form of bidialectal writing, could be cognitively beneficial for young people, similar to the advantages of being bilingual or bidialectal in spoken language.

What does the script imply about the future development of texting language?

The script implies that the future development of texting language will continue to evolve and become even more complex and nuanced, offering a rich area for linguistic study and understanding.

What is the script's final suggestion for examining the evolution of texting language?

The script suggests that examining texts written by 16-year-old girls in the future, such as in 2033, would provide insights into the evolution of texting language and its development over time.