Textspeak refers to the language used in text messages, including abbreviations, acronyms, initialisms, variant spellings, and representations of words that sound similar. It has evolved over time and spread from text messages to social media sites that have character limits. While some critics argue that textspeak damages proper language development, others believe it is now widely used in communication by celebrities and politicians on sites like Twitter.

1. Language and Technology Textspeak

2. Textspeak Textspeak is the language (in terms of both lexis and grammar) used by those sending text messages on a mobile phone.

3. Textspeak is forever evolving. An example of this is the use of initalism . ily dwb lmk ttyl I love you Don’t write back Let me know Talk to you later

4. Variant spelling Wot Wen Cuz

5. Textspeak also uses acronymy , shown in the very popular example ‘lol.’ It is pronounced as a word, rather than individual letters.

6. Homophonic representation 2L8 M8 2day Too late Mate Today

7. Textspeak & the media Textspeak has found its way onto the internet , with social networking sites such as Twitter influencing its use. Similar sites that have character limits started incorporating textspeak, but even on sites like Facebook some people prefer it to Standard English.

8. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga now communicate with their fans through Twitter. However, textspeak is being promoted, for example ‘xx’ and ‘u.’ Even high profile people such as Barack Obama have taken to using Twitter.

9. Your opinion? Do you use textspeak when texting on your phone? Do you use textspeak on social networking sites?

10. Criticism Some critics have hailed textspeak as the ‘destruction of English.’ (And I agree with them!) “ Text messaging is damaging to the linguistic development of young people, after examples of GCSE exams being written in textspeak.”

11. Whatever your opinion, textspeak is definitely here to stay. Thx 4 watchin!