Stefanie Hopkins Professor Sue Briggs English 1010 5 November, 2013

Annotated Bibliography: Texting and What is Becoming the New of Age Old Questions

As technology and wireless communication continue to spread vastly and widely the question that still continues to come up is- is texting harming our language and ability to communicate? Whether you are a parent, educator, spouse or even a teenager yourself this question still applies and is very important to many to understand. Being a parent and also a single female in the dating world this is something that very much interests me and at times concerns me. Its one that comes up to many others as well. With the rapid changing movement of technology and communication, we enjoy the convenience most definitely, and daily. But we still somewhere in the back of our mind do have the concern of what effect this has on our capability to learn, connect and effects it may be having on our language. Its significance is not only because we are in it ourselves now, but also what effect it will have on such things as our more personal relationships, our childrens continuing of well-performing literacy and education, and all are for our future and contribution to society as a whole.

Crystal, David. "2b or Not 2b?" "They Say/I Say" 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: W. W. Norton &, 2012. 335-45. Print.

Summary: 2b or Not 2b by David Crystal, brings in a different directive approach to this very question, very early on. In Crystals essay he combats the argument that texting is a not a new innovation to language, and even abbreviations similarly used in textese date back for centuries, such as IOU dating back to 1618. Continuing throughout with similar points and research on the topic, and his unique, less popular argument that texting has even shown positive links between the use of text language and the skills underlying success in standard English in pre-teen children. Crystals article also offers to bring perspective to the question of its lacking connectedness and emotion with his mention of texting poems and their quality to textings appeal and effectiveness of showing emotion . Overall Crystals argument is not only that texting is so much more than saving time but in his own words is that In texting what we are seeing, in a small way, is language in evolution(345). Rhetorical Analysis: Crystal, is not only a professor at the University of Wales and well known for his work in the English language studies and linguistics(335), but he has also published countless books. Including Texting: The Gr8 Db8 (2008) that this particular essay is also seen in, and is on his research of language in relation to texting. So if theres one who knows language background then I think you could safely say that he definitely does. The essay first appeared in the Guardian, a worldwide web page known for being a liberal voice. His audience direction definitely seems to speak to those who are considered the naysayers of texting technology.

The genre however is where it is lacking in effectiveness in relation to technology and communication today. Specifically with his referring to SMS frequently and the date of the essay in contrast to the times now and how much texting technology has changed. Mostly though, Crystal effectively uses his appeal to emotion in his rhetorical choices, and then follows up with his vast knowledge base and credibility of his research on the subject. For instance his reference that deviated spelling is not something new and has been used by well known authors such as, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Walter Scott, DH Lawrence(340) for quite some time. Particularly interesting, is his reference to a study of pre-teen children and texting that claims that The more abbreviations in their messages, the higher they scored on tests of reading and vocabulary(345). Crystals choices effectively communicate his point that the abbreviations of texting is not something newly used, so much more than saving time, and most importantly his emphasis that it is not damaging our language when used effectively. Assessment: Crystals essay was enlightening in bringing a new perspective to the concern of texting being damaging to our language. I see its validity that it is not necessarily damaging our language when used effectively, and not something entirely new either. It gave new light that texting is in fact language in evolution(345). Two of my sources Im using back up this view of positive links to texting and language as well. However, it still leaves the question in the area of textings effectiveness in our connectedness and communication in our relationship with others. I have also included two sources that relate to this aspect of concern as well and that are very helpful.

Holson, Laura M. "Text Generation Gap: U R 2 Old (JK)." New York Times (New York, NY). 09 Mar 2008: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.

Summary: In the New York Times Article, Text Generation Gap: U R 2 Old (JK), Laura M. Holson brings you in to the perspective of the texting relationship between parents and their children, and the family. Firstly, she opens with a parent and teen conversation in experiences in texting communication and is actually Walt Disneys very own president of the childrens book and magazine publishing unit, Russell Hampton. The article continues throughout of similar accounts of parents and their childrens relationship between texting and including both negative and positive effects this is having on their more personal relationships and communication together. Mixed in to the interviews is helpful studies and statistics, and even by various mobile companies themselves of the effects mobile devices are having on family relationships. Holsons overview basically evaluates the very sentiment she mentions relating to this topic, Children increasingly rely on personal technological devices like cellphones to define themselves and create social circles apart from their families, changing the way they communicate with their parents(1). And leaves the question up to you through her analysis to determine the results and effect it is having. Rhetorical Analysis: Holson, is an award winning reporter of the New York times, has even written for Walt Disney Co. and has been noted about writing and researching on subjects such as communication, media and the mobile lifestyle, all speaking to her credibility and experience on the discussion.

Her rhetorical choices very interestingly reminded me of David Crystals. I think we all can associate our childhood with Walt Disney in some way and her choice firstly not only uses pathos to bring you into that, but also by being a parent as well and the use of Russell Hamptons and his teen daughters experience is very effective in setting the tone and directing to that audience. Similar to David Crystals style, she also includes very helpful information that appeal to the logic and credibility base of the effect texting and mobile communication is having on our children and society. Included in those are comments by Social psychologists like Sherry Turkle who claim that, For kids it has become an indentity-shaping and psyche-changing objectno one creates a new technology really understanding how it will be used or how it can change a society(1-2). As well as the AT&T survey that notes that not only nearly half of parents learn how to text message from their children, but that 60% agreed that it helped them communicate with also noting that, sometimes children didnt want to hear their voice at all(2). It gives the example that, 58% of parents said their children preferred a text(2). The article continues with the same pattern of noting personal experiences of parents and children and including helpful information giving view to both the advantages and disadvantages, and being highly effective in another view of the question in point of this paper. The timeliness of the article is March 9, 2008 is not fairly recent but yet the overall discussion is one that is valid and still well applies to parents and teens of today. Assessment: Holsons article is one that I found not only very relatable being a pa rent myself, but with that also helpful in knowing that there are other parents out there who are genuinely interested and concerned about this very issue. Their experiences gave not only gave me new

viewpoints and benefits of the texting communication but also validation in my concerns with its effect on our more personal relationships. For me, and clearly for many other parents, that is most important-me being a mom and my relationship I have with my son. Holsons points were similar to another of the sources Ive included, that of Sharon Jaysons article. It also gives the good news and advantages of texting that many of us utilize day to day, but like Holsons it too hones in on the concerns and potential damage it can have. Especially in the healthy development of our more personal relationships with those we care about.

Jayson, Sharon. How Texting Has Blown Up the Dating Culture. USA TODAY. 19 Jul 2013: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 24 Oct 2013. Summary: In her article, How Texting Has Blown Up the Dating Culture, Sharon Jayson explores the effects and overall costs and benefits texting has had on our communication and developing of relationships in dating. An important piece, and yet overall focus point that she mentions early on is a survey commissioned by Christian Mingle.com and JDate.com, and conducted by an independent research firm, that gives insight to the age brackets and the use of texting in dating scenarios of singles. Jaysons accounts also include several interviews with daters and their firsthand experiences. In exploring the casual, easy, and non-threatening(1), ways of texting in dating culture Jayson seems to also look at and weigh the cost and benefit of it being a Safer Way to Flirt(2) and its more comfortable way of easing in, and in comparison to our Hiding Behind Technology(2)

and tendency to want more control and less unplanned interaction in our communications. Conclusion of the article includes the self-explaining results of the dating survey used and with its numbers shows the texting technology influence and change in each generation. Rhetorical Analysis: Sharon Jayson, a reporter for USA Today since January of 2005, has specialized in behavior and relationships in writing, journalism and research. Her compartmentalizing and organizing information in reporter/journalist style is easily apparent and makes its effect more direct and less personal to the reader. Jaysons use of the survey early on and as the other primary focal piece is helpful in seeing more of an overview of actual numbers and the relation of text ing on singles dating communication. Approximately one-third of men (31%) and women (33%) agree its less intimidating to ask for a date via text vs. a phone call(1) is a statistic example of this. The awkwardness is almost felt personally in her interviews with singles on the subject and in their accounts that its the more non-threatening, easier to avoid rejection- way of dating. These accounts do make it more personal and relatable to those in the dating pool and experienced something similar. Near the end she gives interesting information that gives credibility to the concerns of our becoming more self-conscious and less connected and present in our communications through texting. She includes comments from Naomi Baron, a linguistic professor at American University in Washington, and results of her studies and research More women than men reported choosing to text rather than talk because it talking takes too long. In the focus groups, students in several countries noted how easy is to become embroiled in a lengthy voice call.

With texting, senders manage the interaction, circumventing potential obligation to hear the other person out(2). Overall Jaysons choices through the article speaks effectively that the comfort to open opportunities and convenience in dating is great, but at what cost is it in actually investing and then developing in to actual relationships. Ones that you can be yourself in and not have to control communication. Timeliness is definitely not an issue on the matter either considering the date the article was published just this July. Assessment: This piece not only being the most recent, but once again with my own personal position as being single, made this especially relatable and validating on the issue. It concluded my own personal experiences and views that yes texting is nice for working your way in to getting to know someone more comfortably in dating but to a certain point. There comes a point when not only does it make it more difficult in really getting to know someone with texting. But also when not kept in check can be the easy way out and minimizing of investing in what could be perfectly great relationships. Jaysons article seems to speak to the when things get difficult or uncomfortable just turn it off or put it down mentalilty that continues to incur while all the while singles numbers keep growing and staying that way. It gives depth to the concern that when we are continually moving away, being distracted, and even sometimes annoyed at personally connecting and communicating with one another it does cause a problem and possible potential to harm our relationships.

Lanir, Lesley. "Text Messaging: Basically Addictive or Essentially Additive?" Decodedscience.com. N.p., 12 Dec. 2011. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.

Summary: In Lesley Lanirs web page article, Text Messaging: Basically Addictive or Essentially Additive?, she gives an overview on different points of research to bring information to the question of, what role do textisms and textese play in the overall literacy or illiteracy of young people today?(1). Including the research of Clare Wood that Ive also included in my research sources. Lanir then smoothly moves through with more of her research to bring helpful information to the question base. She concludes with her solid point that, texting is not necessarily detrimental, and in some cases, actually adds to the literacy skills of those children(2), but with the included stipulation of those, whose innate phonological capabilities are functioning normally(2). Rhetorical Analysis: Lanir holds a Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities, Assessment, and Remediation, and a BA in English Language Literature, Linguistics, and Education. Both helpful, but the first being an especially interesting contribution to the discussion. Lanirs use of two main outlooks of research done on the subject is particularly helplful in establishing the articles crediblilty early on. They back up the argument effectively that texting can have positive linguistic advantages(1). Smoothly she moves through each point step-by-step to give better base to back up her findings. A choice I found to be especially effective and appealing to emotion. She explains the reasoning behind the research to keep your attention and keeps you connected to the

discussion. Main points and placement of words such as this, Conceivably, texting and phonological skills have a reciprocal relationship dependant primarily on highly-functioning phonological ability(2), hint to the emotion appeal of the reader. Assessment: I found Lanirs article to continue to effect and broaden my perspective on the question of whether texting is damaging to language and phonological skills. She reiterates what other sources have noted- that it is not damaging when those whose phonological skills are already functioning normally. It is actually additive to the scenario. Her article is a continued help to those who are parents as well. I was referred to this source by a friend and was excited to see the reference and connection to another source Ive used and how it all connects to helpful information on the discussion.

Wood, C., E. Jackson, L. Hart, B. Plester, and L. Wilde. "The Effect of Text Messaging on 9- and 10-yearold Children's Reading, Spelling and Phonological Processing Skills." The Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (2011): 28-36. EBSCO. Web. Oct.-Nov. 2014.

Summary: Clare Wood and associates, journal article, , The effect of text messaging on 9-and10-year-old childrens reading, spelling and phonological processing skills, is a detailed exploration of their research and study on the subject. The journal article begins with a base of conclusions of other related studies, previously performed, and the positive correlations theyve found between text use and childrens reading

and spelling development. It also gives the holes and questions in their research to give direction to what Woods particular study will be addressing and adding to the question. One hundred and fourteen children who had never owned a mobile phone before were recruited and randomly allocated to either the intervention or control conditions(1) , and to which Woods and team include in this the detailed research and findings of the study. The conclusion wraps up to the finding that texting is not necessarily harming childrens phonological skills. In fact, it notes that when standard phonological skills are already present it is even showing positive links to the relationship. Rhetorical Analysis: With Wood and teams experience in research and even with this journal article being saturated with information it is still very clear in language and rhythm, easy to follow, and understandable to the reader. This helps in its effectiveness of being engaging even amongst the detailed knowledge base of information included. The careful thought and process on the preparing and choosing of study subjects also adds to the pathos content. This choice helps it to be more appealing than just numbers and especially to a parent. It gives a vast base and contribution to the logic and credibility on the subject by its numerous flow of information, numbers, and observations noted in the study. It explains the main goal and uses the logic effectiveness in concluding the study as, A unique featurea result of its design, we were able to track the volume of text messages that children sent and received each week during the intervention period. This also enabled us to consider the contribution that these usage data may be able to make to understanding how text messaging might benefit childrens literacy development(29).

Woods audience was to anyone interested on the subject and correlation of the relationship, but her mention of parents and nature of content related to the children was clearly to parents included. The timeliness was also effective in relation to the question at hand. Assessment: Being a parent is again what interested me most on this article and its findings. I found its discussion and conclusions to be most interesting that, The main finding from this study was that the children who were given access to mobile phones for the purpose of text messaging did not perform differently from the children who were not given mobile phones in terms of their literacy development(33). Basically it suggests and explains further that texting is not harming these skills in children, and when those skills are already present and functioning, it is actually being additive to language/spelling skills and their more use of them as well. It was helpful in understanding this better and added to the importance of these skills being cultivated to begin with- as to not bring harm from texting to language.

In conclusion, I found all of this research to be particularly interesting and enlightening in giving information and perspectives on the question at hand. I think overall it all speaks to the fact that texting has its advantages, and is opening up more windows to communication and the use and learning of language. However, all studies noted- and even including those who shined more of a positive light, that texting in whatever use is still something to be considered with moderation and careful consideration of the how we are using it in the aspects discussed.

I would be particularly interested to see studies and research to take on a different approach and angle with the subjects used as well. Studys particularly similar to the research of Clare Woods team and using different methods and ages of subjects. Texting has become a huge part of our communication. Its important to know these things to better evaluate and contribute our views to the discussion. Even in writing the annotation I had a few discussions about the topic and all peers seemed to have different things to say and a variety of views. Its a complex subject with much complex research and opinions. Not to mention personal choice and preference too. Importantly though it is not one to be taken lightly when considering the effects on language and communication it continues to have. I look forward to further research done on the texting communication to continue these efforts.