The New Texting Language: Bilingual or Lazy Essay Example

of considering it a burden.

The author uses powerful rhetorical strategies in order to covey his message that include the new texting language is simply a creative tool for today’s youth, and we should utilize it, not ridicule the language on a daily basis. Barranco’s use of ethos, logos, and style of writing were all factors in presenting an effective message to his audience. The word “txt” can be seen throughout the article, helping to relate readers to the way in which the text language is used. Barranco’s style of writing, during the article is very effective; he uses abbreviations and breaks down what exactly the texting langue is for people who have less nowledge on the subject.

However the author emphasizes that in order to “be able to shorten the words into an abbreviated phrase one must know its constituents. ” (Barranco Pg. 28) Therefore he is defending the point he made that texting is not harming individuals, but rather helping society by having the youth become bilingual. Barranco implies that the texting language can be considered a second language since individuals will need to know the full English language first, before they could ever abbreviate the words.

Barranco’s diction in this article is very simple and to the point, which benefits him due to the fact that readers will have an easier time relating to what he is arguing about. He compares the texting language to Ebonics, which older generations might be more familiar with; and he uses phrases such as “IM’s” that the younger generation will be familiar with. The author’s use of diction also exemplifies how much more

convenient everything has become from him since the internet; “Sharing of opinions, ideas, philosophies has never been easier with the internet just a click away. (Barranco Pg. 29)

The authors use of abundant reliable sources helps readers to better understand his point of view on the texting language. The author ridicules the opposing argument which says that the texting language will stay with people their whole lives, and affect people receiving jobs in the future. Barranco immediately diminishes these comments by saying, “This agreement contains some major flaws. ” (Barranco pg. 27) The presence of these errors is supported with evidence, found by Sali Tagliamonte and Derek Denis, from the University of Toronto.

Their study showed that less than three percent of people used short forms or abbreviations to write or talk later on in life. According to Barranco “some scholars have noted that the popularity of txt can recall poetic examples of non-standard spelling,” (Barranco pg. 29) He then continues to address his argument that the texting language doesn’t affect people by saying that texting users can still be phenomenal writers. Naomi Baron believes that “as teenagers transition to college they naturally shed some of their adolescent linguistic ways in favor of formal writing. (Barranco pg. 28)

Barranco even went so far into researching this topic that he interviewed the linguistics specialist from the American University in Washington D. C. These points made by scholars and researchers support the authors accusations that the texting language is not effecting today’s society just yet. The support from outside sources boosts the authors ethos in the eyes of the readers. Barranco’s persuasion to the

audience, in order to make his point, influences the readers outlook on his appeal to logos.

Barranco immediately begins his article appealing to logos by saying “type a few words on a keyboard, press enter and a friend hundreds of miles away can receive the message. ” (Barranco pg. 27) This statement is automatically appealing to the younger and middle age generations, because the older generations don’t generally use technology like we do in today’s society. Several lines down from the previously stated quote, Barranco begins his argument about how texting can be considered a second language; and he makes valid points to influence readers into believing what he is saying is true.

For example “the debate over whether new styles of language will bring ruin to existing language is not a new topic. ” (Barranco pg. 29) This statement implies that parents should not be concerned that today’s youth will become illiterate; different writing methods have been introduced before, and the past generations have turned out just fine. Barranco makes the youth feel comfortable with the language they have become adapted to using, and tell them not to worry because they will eventually grow out of it by the time they get to college.

A research, conducted by Jason Roussin of Windsor C- School District, wrote an editorial on how businesses are not going to except the texting language when it comes to jobs. However, another research was conducted, and it indicated that “86% of teens consider formal writing skills essential for future success. ” (Barranco Pg. 28) This research alone will prove to concerned Americans that the texting language is

another phase of the younger generations.

Not only is Barranco appealing to the youth, but also to the parents of the young teenagers who are using the new texting language. He explains that there is no need to worry about how your child is texting and they will eventually grow out of it. Barranco’s effective use of reason, throughout his whole article, explains his points, and was made valid due to the rhetorical strategies used. Technology is used daily with today’s youth, however, it is not effecting how they are learning, nor is it holding them back from getting high paying obs in the future.

If it was negatively affecting them, don’t you believe someone would have put a stop to the texting language by now? The answer to that is yes, and only time will tell whether there will be a major impact due to texting; but for right now the texting language is harmless. These points were made valid through Barranco’s article because of his credible sources, diction, and powerful use of reasoning. All of these strategies helped convince the reader that using the texting language will have no long term effects on their futures.