The entire concept of digital communication reflects the unspoken unity within society. The mere comprehension of the meaning behind “sure” versus “Sure!” exemplifies how crucial punctuation is outside of academia. While the former is considered hostile or passive aggressive, the latter is sincere. At the basis of these mutual understandings is the popularization of digital text.
Without mass use, phrases like LOL, OMFG, on-brand, on point, and valid, amongst a plethora of others would simply not exist. They have meaning because the collective has given them meaning. Social media specifically has accidentally on purpose created micro trends out of the English language.
By writing the way we talk, we have begun to talk the way we talk, we have begun to talk the way we write. The best example of this would be “kk”. What originated as a cuter, quirkier way to text “okay”, is now a staple in daily conversation within current friend groups.
When I talk you my friends, a lot of the conversation would be seemingly meaningless to a stranger. A vast majority consists of the crying-laughing emoji, that was once considered outdated but we have recently begun using again. I use a lot of emojis when I text my friends and my family, but I would never use emojis in my academic writing. Why is that? If they have become so common and important for language expression, will there come a point where I can add a smiley face to my school essays?
While in the grand scheme of things, this change in diction may be revolutionary to me, it is second nature. I cannot authentically express myself without the use of modern slang.
February 7, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Edeline,
I really like the phrase “unspoken unity within society” that you wrote at the beginning of your post! It caused me to think deeper into the pervasive nature of technology. It also made me think about individuals who do not use technology/cannot afford computers and cell phones. Technology is so widespread and sometimes I forget that it is not something that in reality everyone engages in and uses. However, on the flip side, so many people do use technology and engage in digital informal writing that it creates a community and as you put it, a unity throughout so much of society.
February 7, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Edeline,
I liked how you brought up emoji as a form of visual communication and text. Since the birth of the emoji, I feel like what I can not convey in a text due to their being a lack of tone, I can convey through the use of emojis. And your point of being able to incorporate emoji in academia and more formal writing is a thought-provoking idea. I wonder in years into the future, if our society will be able to adapt and “claim” the emoji no longer as this informal medium of communication but as one that can be used in an academic setting. Additionally, using slang as you mentioned, is also an important part of my vernacular. I feel more comfortable using it even though it is not considered “appropriate” or “correct” for every given setting.
February 7, 2022 at 1:44 pm
I really agree and like your point on how we now talk the way we write, while originally we wrote the way we talk. We now speak in “abbreviated English,” even if it is not easier because we have become so accustomed to texting. Writing “kk” might be easier to write but it has the same amount of syllables as “okay.” I wonder, too, if informal writing and the use of emojis will ever be used in formal settings like essays.