Hypothesis
Text communication is more similar to speech than written language
I can gather this information by using text conversations and comparing them to something that has been written and a conversation
Plan
- slang and/or informal language
- The instantaneous nature of texting and how fast the replies are
- the words that are left out of sentences yet still make sense, ommissions.
- onomatopoeia
- verbal fillers
Slang examples
- Snatched
- Extra
- Tea
- Basic
- Busted
- trash
- Gucci
- I swear to g
- dying
- salty
- shipped
- woke
How fast texting is
- 95% of texts are read within 3 minutes of being sent according to viber.com
- because it’s fast it can
omissions
- This is closer to speech as you don’t have to include every word into your sentences and the person you’re communicating to still get the idea. this happens in the text as well yet when writing, you have to be much more formal otherwise person who is reading may not understand what you have meant.
Introduction
Since 1992, when the first text message was sent, the English language has only become more advanced. People of the younger generations have found ways to manipulate speech and text for efficiency reasons. Slang, and other language features, have allowed the use of new words and abbreviations, benefiting the person using them. Texting in our day to day lives is much like speech rather than the written language. The omissions and verbal fillers used while messaging represent where we may pause in a real conversation.
How fast texting is
Real-time speech is similar to a text conversation, in the sense that in the time you answer a text message can often give the effect of having a conversation. When we speak to one another the conversation is direct and fast, same goes for texting. There is no need to reply to a text with a lengthy paragraph. You have a conversation with each other. When writing a letter or book you don’t have the opportunity to give small, sharp answers. Full paragraphs have to be written, as it takes time for the piece of writing to be delivered to the recipient. People are consumed by what’s on their phones constantly. The new york times states that on average, Americans will check their phone every 12 minutes, or around 80 times a day, and if they aren’t watching it, their phone will most likely be somewhere near or close to them. This means that when you send a text, the chances of them replying are extremely high. 95% of the text messages you have sent are read within 3 minutes of being sent according to viber.com. ( haven’t finished )
Slang
The words we use in everyday speech are implemented into the things we send when texting each other. Slang is a language feature that’s used as a way of shorting down words to fit the writer or speakers needs. When we speak to one another the slang we use indicates a closeness or bond between two people. It’s in an informal way of speaking, yet is used while texting. While writing something important to someone there is no slang involved. This is because the thing you are writing may go out to a lot of people and you want to communicate your idea to as many people as possible. Everyone is taught the same formal language, that means when writing, everyone reverts to formal as it is understood by everyone. We adapt while speaking which is why our slang is in our modern language ( haven’t finished)
Omissions/ verbal fillers
Filling in the silence between two thought or ideas by adding a sound is a verbal filler. We use these in everyday conversation to add noise during speech where there usually is none. Sounds such as umm, err and ahh are all verbal fillers and are used to stop a gap in conversation. Verbal fillers can be used to show politeness, as if you add these words in front of “No” it’s not as blunt. Instead, it sounds more like “oh, umm, not really sorry.” Verbal filers can also be used when the speaker knows whats they’re saying may be hard to understand or deep and wants to take a pause to let the listener think about what they have said for a brief moment. As well as being used in real-life conversations, verbal fillers are also used in texting and the same rules apply. because texting is very much short sentences going backwards and forwards between each other, the writer may take a gap and add ” umm” or “err.” Each verbal filler also has a slightly different meaning and can change depending on how its written, where it’s been used or the capitals and grammar around it. ” I think I love you” sounds very blunt but true and is very to the point. ” ahhh, i think i, errr love you”
Conclusion