btw, if u look, Web Dict dz hav n ntry 4 "lol." – melissa n., MA, CCC-SLP
Say WHAT?? One would think that this could possibly be a foreign language, or some sort of code. But this is the core language that currently connects Americans to one another. With the birth of Facebook, similar social sites, and "smart" phones, the language of written English has evolved into an abbreviated form. When one considers Shakespeare's formality in writings such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream," with quotes such as "Shall we their fond pageant see? Lord, what fools these mortals be!” when in a text one might say, "wht a cpl of dumiz!!,” the evolution of language is glaringly obvious.
Many educators and linguists worry that the sloppy, misspelled, grammatically incorrect lingo acceptable on Facebook or in texting will influence the English skills of today's youths. Not only is it admissible for one to slaughter the spelling of each and every word in a message, it is also common for the spacing, grammar, and punctuation to be non-existent or incorrect as well. For example, "Hey, where are you? Are you lost?" becomes "whruat?lost?"
Whether or not this affects the English skills of today's student is unsure. A review of the literature available and speaking with teenagers directly reveals that students report that they are aware of the register change involved with text messaging or Facebooking versus writing a research report or an essay. "Once in a while I find myself abbreviating stuff or being too casual," says a high school student from Penfield, Michigan. "...But I catch myself and correct it, because when you do schoolwork, you proofread... with texts, you don't proofread so much."
This new form of abbreviated communication has had its effect on face-to-face, verbal language as well. Not only do we find ourselves glued to our phones, eyes shifted from our communication partners' with pauses, interruptions, and interjections into conversation due to the frequency and urgency of text messaging and social sites, but we also find that our quantity and quality of actual conversation is limited, at best. Quick, convenient, straight-to-the-point. Few and far between are the uninterrupted evenings in which stories are told with all details included and the listener actually listens.
And what bearing does this have on our profession?? The insight and innovation regarding current trends in language required to truly facilitate communication in those who have either lost, or have never gained the ability to communicate not only effectively, but also in a socially acceptable manner is based upon the knowledge of language at its core. Whether developing an AAC device that includes an "lol" button or line by line reading "Canterbury Tales" by Geoffery Chaucer and interpreting it's meaning to promote vocabulary growth, it is functional communication that is our goal. It is vital to remind our clients/students/patients and their families that effective communication involves listening and patience. It's not just conveying a message that is involved with communication, it's conveying a feeling. "lol" will never compete with a good laugh with a family member or friend, and a shared smile is so much more heart-warming than a :) anyday.
Further Readings:
www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2003-02-14-messaging-linguists_x.htm
www.examiner.com/special-education-in-long-island/does-texting-interfere-with-formal-education#ixzzSamcX52x
http://debates.juggle.com/does-texting-have-adverse-effects-on-a-persons-ability-to-communicate-in-other-manners
