The new shorthand is one of many languages.
July 23, 2007 (Monday) – Saturday’s blog talked about acronyms and initialisms. Both are a form of shorthand used in “Text Messaging” and “Instant Messaging.” The generation now known as “millenials” is familiar with this new shorthand. The commercial that won the prize for most popular and at the same time most annoying, is a portrayal of this shorthand. If you like, you can view it by clicking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nIUcRJX9-o.
In the musical, “My Fair Lady,” Eliza’s crude language is defended by Freddie. In response to Eliza’s chatter, the question is asked “Whatever does it mean?” Freddie replies, “It’s the new small talk.” Every generation seems to have its own special culture that includes the way it speaks, dresses and in other ways expresses its own uniqueness as a generation. These generational characteristics come and go so quickly these days that even a young person can get out of touch with the newest fads. Before he/she realizes, time has passed them by.
Please don’t send me any text messages, because I couldn’t understand the shorthand if I knew how to display it. And, what’s more important, I guess, I don’t know how to answer the call. I may be seriously out of step with progress, however, for there are linguistic authorities who believe that the English language is being forever changed by the new terminology made possible and necessary by advancing technology. Already the most common of these shorthand expressions are acceptable as answers on exams in some schools.
Whatever language you use as a Christian, it must never bring dishonor to God. The new shorthand for sending messages is just one of many languages. Many people know several languages. Perhaps you are one of them. Remember the miracle of Pentecost, when Believers spoke in languages they had never learned and proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, with the result that thousands of people were saved in a single day. Perhaps this is the greatest use of language of any kind. Jesus said to a new believer one day, “Go and tell what great things the Lord has done.” Go and tell, in English, French, German, Russian, or even in Text Messaging Shorthand. Go and tell.
Jesus taught us to be careful with our language. In the matter of oaths, Jesus said,”Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ In addition, he seriously taught, “Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37 NIV).”
One more word about the text message shorthand stuff: I wanted to close with a shorthand text message to you, but for the life of me, I don’t know how.