Teen Speak
October 15, 2011
Are you still using words like "cool," "man" and "dude?" If so, you are so last century. Social researcher Mark McCrindle has written a new book to help us keep in touch with the language of a new generation, which is full of new ways of communicating, including via text messaging. Ever seen LOL? The book is called Word Up - A Lexicon and Guide to Communication in the 21st Century. The book's purpose is to help older generations keep up with all the changes in communication.
For more, check out the recent news article Dude, Hold the LOL.
If you're looking to learn some of the common text messaging abbreviations - read more here.
YW
Every generation has tried to develop it's own code to associate with peers and rebel against the authorities in their world.
The current abbreviation in language is also in response to the overload of communication that technology has introduced. This I believe will go through a cycle as do all major shifts in language. Some teen speak has been around for many years... just resurfaced & considered 'new'.
Eventually, people will prefer to enjoy a real conversation, with real words of meaning, with real people, rather than quick impersonal abbreviated snippets dished out electronically - especially when the 'teen speaks' become the 'older generation'.
By then the teens of the day will have some other means of communicating that is designed to baffle the oldies.
Posted by: Peter J. Coburn | October 15, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Is there a way to buy this book for those in the U.S.?
Posted by: Mindi W. | October 15, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Good points, Peter!
Mindi, I think you can order it on the web site I created a link too.
Thanks
Posted by: Mark Conner | October 17, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Uve g2 b jkng!! 1300 + sms abbreviations- get real- who has time for that?
Posted by: helen | October 17, 2011 at 12:59 PM