'It's not what you say; but how you say it' this little masterpiece is the slogan I am currently using wherever my work takes me.
As a writer I have a huge love for the English language and for that of language in general. However, despite my lack of ability when it comes to tapping out a work of fiction, I do have a rather passionate view on what I would call a proper use of language.
I seem to be forever trying to drive home the concept of using language correctly, and as the number one form of expression, to my own children, but no matter what I say (or shout) I can honestly admit that I feel as though I am fighting a losing battle.
All I need to do is switch on my phone and log on to one of the many social networks I habitually haunt to see just how language is changing and has changed since this communications revolution began.
Text speak has quite certainly become the bane of my life; an affliction that makes me convulse and ache with distress. Feeling as though I am seeing a generation of young people slowly destroying our beautiful English language, I can do nothing but shake my head while endeavouring to decipher what someone is trying to say to me. Heaven only knows what social events and potentially awe inspiring evenings I have missed out on due to my lack of text speak understanding. I think someone needs to write a book of translation; I know I'd be first in line to purchase a copy.
Of course, it is acceptable and I do appreciate that language does evolve and change; and so it should. After all, we are not all walking around quoting Shakespearian sonnets or flouncing about using words such as eafora and cancettung to describe ones family members or bouts of cackling, but this way of uncaring and effortless communication does leave me wondering where the English language will be in the next twenty to thirty years. Will we be reduced to a language that is more robotic, less expressionless and one which does not reflect any true meaning or emotion? I sincerely hope not.
After reading this some of you may think I am a little bit of a written word 'snob' and maybe I am, but I do have this terrible habit of gauging a person's level of intellect by the type of language they use, rather in the way you would develop an instant opinion of someone based on their clothing style or the shine of their shoes.
Don't get me wrong, I am all in favour of change and of social media, let's face it; I wouldn't be able to do the job I love if it wasn't for progression and changes that have been brought about because of the virtual world. In all honesty I can say that I do fear for future generations and the way in which it has become acceptable to communicate.
Words can be captivatingly emotive, full of passion, of playful jibes, expressions of intent and a reflection of self. I can only live in hope that there is a proportion of future generations who will only see it as right to preserve our unquestionably rich English language, and do so with pride.