Summary Of Txtng Is Killing Language By John Mcwhorter

In John McWhorter’s argumentative speech “Txtng is killing language. JK!!!!” he uses logical and emotional appeals to showcase his argument. He begins by explaining the roles of speech and writing in language, stating that there is a natural amount of bleed between the two linguistic methods. Throughout the speech he compels his audience by using primarily logical appeals, such as since it is typical to “speak like you write” then it must be possible to “write like you speak.” John McWhorter uses historical knowledge and linguistic research, building a logical claim that texting is creating a newer advanced level of digital speech.

McWhorter uses logical appeals to defend his claim, and his facts come straight from his extensive research. He begins by

defining how speech and writing coincide in linguistics and explains how speech was the primary form of communication for centuries.

Through his research he conducted that in relation to a twenty four hour period, writing would not be present until 11:07 p.m. McWhorter uses the historical reference of the Gettysburg Address to explain that in past eras it was common to speak as you would write. When speeches were given to an audience the speaker would make his points in formal language, coinciding with how they would write. McWhorter states that if it is possible to speak as one would write, it is possible to write as one would speak. He states that once you have a handy device in your pocket you can write like you speak because there is another person on the other line readily available to interpret the message. This form of communication would not be appropriate for any other era because they did not have an easily acquired device like the cell phone. He states that texting is a whole new way of writing for young people and that since they are able to use texting alongside normal writing they have become

bidialectal. In current times young people have created a new form of digital speech to communicate among each other. They have evolved common speech tactics into texting, such as using the acronym “lol” and the word “slash” to communicate intentions. The acronym “lol” has become a marker of empathy and the word “slash” demonstrates changing topic of conversation. McWhorter shows actual examples of teenagers texts that demonstrate the usage of these slang phrases to demonstrate his research. He concludes that texting has become an expansion of linguistic language, and appeals to the audience's emotions by calling this a “linguistic miracle.”
In conclusion, McWhorter built a strong argument to support his views. McWhorter uses logical appeals to connect to his audience by using historical and present research to derive facts that back up his argument. In another article written by Elizabeth Gorney, she supports McWhorter’s argument by stating that “text-speak is like decoding a message; they require a different interpretation of the language because of the technology and the speed that messages can be delivered. There is a different adaptation of symbols and punctuation that the traditional language does not use, and it's a whole new way of thinking about language that has never been used.” McWhorter’s views strongly support that texting is in fact not killing language but expanding upon it. His logistics and facts support his argument well, and his point was well interpreted.