Are Abbreviations Wrecking Our Writing?

Are Abbreviations Wrecking Our Writing?
Zane West-Derby
10-30-2013  12:52 pm

OWENSVILLE, MO-It is generally agreed upon that texting talk is not talk.  Whether or not abbreviations are wrecking society’s writing is debated by many.  In teens’ writing, abbreviations are showing up far more often in formal writing.  Abbreviations like ur, r, b/c, lol, lmao, rofl, and cml.

            When asked on her thoughts about texting and twitter lingo, Mrs. Jennifer Stockton, a high school English teacher, says that “I think [abbreviations] are [hurting writing] because when we try to make people write formally, they cannot do it because they are used to abbreviation because of texting, Facebook, and Twitter.”

            Students had varying opinions.  Danielle Roblow said “I do not write like I text.”  This brings up an argument made by some experts.  Some believe that while students may use this type of talk casually, they do not use it when writing.  

            However, Tristan Crofford says that “Yes, abbreviations do affect my writing; sometimes I put u instead of you. Also, I put r instead of are sometimes.”

            Then, there are students who do not use abbreviations at all when texting.  Some choose to use “proper” grammar when texting and tweeting.  Logan Moritz says that text talk does not hurt his writing because: “I text like I write. I use proper grammar.”

            Some feel that texting is causing writing to worsen.  Some feel it has no effect.  The general consensus with instructors and adults seems to be that they feel the shortened words are worsening writing.  However, when it comes to students, there are varying opinions. 

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