Texting is not Harmful to the English Language (Humphrys) (Crystal)
In the two articles “I H8 Txt Msgs: How Texting Is Wrecking Our Language” and “2b or not 2b?” Humphrys and Crystal present varying views concerning the impact of texting on the English language. While Humphrys argues that texting is damaging the English language, Crystal opines that texting is not ruining the English language. In this backdrop, I perceive that texting is not harmful to the English language because the abbreviations used in its framework has been in practice even before texting emerged.
The use of abbreviations in text messages has been a common practice from the period before the era of texting. Notably, individuals against texts argue that text messages contend that the use of short forms of words is the main reason why testing is harmful to the English language. However, this argument is not true because the use of single letters, symbols, and numerals to represent words date back to past centuries. This aspect indicates that texting has not brought any new practice that can damage the English language. In addition, research outcomes indicate that there is a strong positive association between the use of texting and the skills attributed to success in standard English among pre-teenage children. Contrary to public opinion, texting enhances individuals‘ skills in the English language.
In addition, I perceive that the credibility of Crystal supports the idea that texting is not harmful to the English language. David Crystal is a leading scholar in the English language and author of over 100 books. He also serves as an honorary professor of linguistics at the University of Wales, Bangor (The Guardian). On the other hand, John Humphrys is a distinguished journalist with over 45 years’ experience (BBC). While both authors are reputable, the former is more convincing owing to his experience in the English language. Also, both the Daily Mail and The Guardian are reputable newspapers in the United Kingdom. Therefore, the two articles are credible.
In conclusion, texting is not harmful to the English language. There is little or no evidence to demonstrate that texting damages the English language. In this line, there is a need to conduct further research on the topic to find if texting has any adverse impact on the English language.
Works Cited
BBC. John Humphrys. n.d. 5 May 2020. <https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/32NPl58mjKbRg9l74PcF52t/john-humphrys>.
Crystal, David. 2b or not 2b? 5 July 2008. 12 May 2020. <https://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview>.
Humphrys, John. I h8 txt msgs: How texting is wrecking our language. September 24 2007. 12 May 2020. <https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-483511/I-h8-txt-msgs-How-texting-wrecking-language.html>.
The Guardian. David Crystal. n.d. 12 May 2020. <https://www.theguardian.com/profile/davidcrystal>.