Internet Language

Acronyms, new words and specialized phrases are common in our society. Walk into any company, and it will take you time to learn the lingo. A video was created at my husband’s company that showed a room full of employees around a conference table speaking solely in acronyms. Needless to say, if you were not a part of their organization, they were speaking Greek to you.

Lauren Squires admits that many of the features belonging to the Internet language can be seen in other contexts. This fact can make us more comfortable with the new terms and acronyms we have created to communicate electronically. The Internet Language isn’t a new phenomena, it is merely a new iteration what societies have practiced for centuries.

The ability to communicate online in Internet Language is important,
 but it doesn't diminish the value of Standard English and grammar.

The creation and use of an Internet Language influences our online interactions, but it will not overtake our “Standard English” language. Look at any job description today, and strong written and verbal communication skills are included as a requirement.

In our mediated world, the ability to communicate clearly is more important than ever. We must understand and be able to use Internet Language so that we can communicate with various audiences and markets. However, this doesn’t mean that we value grammar, spelling and good writing any less.  After all, when it comes to learning a new language, having a solid understanding of your own helps the learning process.