Informal abbreviations used in formal situations are inappropriate and clearly reflect a lack of effort on the part of the writer. The clear division that exists between formal and informal situations allows for ease in adherence to conventions of the English language when necessary. Assignments, cover letters and resumes, formal pieces that are intended to reflect one’s intellectual abilities, should be written in a completely different context than informal pieces such as texts and instant messages, used to replace conversational speech. Informal abbreviations should be used for the convenience of speed in contexts when the words would otherwise be spoken. This reflects a positive evolution in the means of communication and should be embraced for its efficiency in an ever evolving fast-paced society.
In formal situations, however, bringing the written language down to the level of spoken language obliterates the development that has been made in the written form and clearly degrades the esteem of the English language. In regard to the importance placed on reflecting oneself as professional and capable even in applying to entry level jobs, employers would most definitely not consider a candidate with an informally written resume. This informality reflects a lack of traits that are desired by any respectable adult such as effort, attention to detail and intellect. For the same reason that informal abbreviations are a positive for communication, they are a huge negative in assignments and resumes. For teachers and employers, often as important as work completed well is an indication that time and effort was put in; this conventional way of thinking is fundamental in a society that rewards not only those who always excel, but also those who work hard.
In conclusion, informal abbreviations reflect positive evolution when used in the appropriate situations, but completely degrade the English language when used in formal situations. The evolution that has created the fast-paced world of today would not logically occur in academic or formal work situations where time and effort spent on work reflects how well it is received.
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ReplyDeleteHey Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI love how you strongly establish your view on the inappropriateness of textism in formal settings. I agree with you that assignments and resumes should be written with effort. After all, no employer wants a lazy person on his/her staff. However, I don't view textism as an indication of a lack of effort. I think the main difference between formal writing and textism, to be honest, is the superfluous elements in the formal one. Textism, while blending letters, numbers, and logos together, still adheres to proper grammar rules. When you sound it out, textism should still be a coherent and flaw-free sentence. It only lacks the vocabulary of formal writing.
In fact, textism shows some creativity. In order for a student to shorten 'fortune' to '42n', he/she must have thought about the sound of the word and made a connection between the two terms. By connection, I am referring to the relationship that '42n' as a mathematical and algebraic term has with 'fortune', which is often characterized by money and numbers. This appropriate and sophisticated abbreviation not only simplifies the word but also adds a certain depth to the word.
Anyway, have a nice Thanksgiving weekend. :D
Teddy
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ReplyDeleteHey Michelle!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post (finally someone agrees with me). I believe that textism should be kept in our social lives only and not in formal situations. I like how you mentioned that textisms on resumes reflects on our intellectual abilities. I will always remember that my grandma use to tell me to tidy my room. She says people will judge on your personality traits based on your organization and tidiness of it. I can definitely relate to what you pointed out. If I were to be an employer and I were to see terms like "FYI, BTW" on a resume, it will be tossed into the bin. No questions asked. If candidates choose to use abbreviations, it shows the lack of effort and professionalism. If they don't take the job application seriously, neither will I take them seriously. Again, I would like to make a point that textism should be kept outside of formal situations. It just doesn't seem right for our coming generation.