This post really grabbed my attention, because this is something that also gets under my skin. It's becoming a culture to spell things intentionally incorrectly, and it's reaching an extent where these 'errors' are becoming correct in their own way. Let me firstly state this is not about the occasional 'typo'. I, myself, rarely use a spell checker for everyday communication (emails, journal, posts). Nor does this extend to ebonics, which has a cultural identity similar to the cockney slang of England and should be appreciated as culturally significant. This is about a lack of punctuation and capitalisation, spelling errors that are incomprehensible, and the intentional misspelling of words (eg: u, anywun, kewl, kthks, wanna, etc).
In my opinion, the point of writing is to communicate. One respects the people with whom one is communicating by writing in such a way as to be easily understood. This includes punctuation, correct grammer, correct spelling and language which does not offend. Obviously the latter depends on your audience. It does seem, however, that the first three also are beginning to depend on the audience.
I have no problem with people engaging in their own brand of communication, and certainly having fun with words can be really enjoyable. However when it starts to become ingrained within the education of children, that's when I get concerned. I was marking first year university engineering assignments two years ago as a senior undergraduate student. I came across one in which the entire paper was written in 'text message prose'. I can think of no other way to describe it. Needless to say it did not receive a grade.
There seems little that can be done to prevent people communicating in these ways, and it is becoming a culture of it's own. I consider myself a very tolerant person when it comes to cultural diversity and freedom of speech etc. However I can't help but doubt someones intelligence and thus the quality of their ideas when they write in such ways.
I guess my message is this: communicate any way you will, however if you are writing something for an audience you do not know, or if you are trying to impress someone with your ideas, make sure that you use correct English.
I sincerely hope this doesn't offend - I am merely stating my concerns and my perceptions. I also want to stress that these comments do not extend towards people who are learning English, or those who have real difficulties with the language. In fact, my heart goes out to those learning English, as I am presently trying to learn French is some comprehensible way and there's grammer and spelling flying all over the shop! I am merely saying that when one is communicating, one should do it to the best of one's ability. The current trend appears to appeal to being 'cool', rather than being respectful of your audience.
In fact, just last week whilst out shopping, I saw the following sign: "Please do not lie on the display beds for safety reason's". Aaarggghh!
