Contractions are no easy

[sbrodsky]

Hi emsr2d2,
I also think that “textspeak” and contractions are not the same. Textspreak is the next step (after using contractions) in informal writing. So, if you do not mind using contractions, logically, you should not object using textspeak. If you are not using them, it is alright. But do you really think that you have to correct other poster’s textspeak?

Please do not think that I am absolutely confident in what I am saying. No, I am not. I am just trying to clarify things for me. By the way, what is you opinion on using contractions in published book? It is not a letter to your friend. So I would not call it informal writing. It is neither business letter nor academic paper. So I would not call it formal writing. What are your thoughts on that?

I thank you very much for your help.

[Gillnetter]

Hi emsr2d2,
I also think that “textspeak” and contractions are not the same. Textspreak is the next step (after using contractions) in informal writing. So, if you do not mind using contractions, logically, you should not object using textspeak. If you are not using them, it is alright. But do you really think that you have to correct other poster’s textspeak?

The words and terms used in a language develop over many years and acceptance by a majority of speakers is required before changes are accepted. If ""u" is used by a majority of speakers over a long period of time, then it will become the standard and "you" will be seen as being archaic. As of now, "u" is considered to be a form of slang used mostly by the younger members of society.

Yes - it is the function of a teacher to correct things. Many of the learners that use this forum are in responsible jobs that require them to communicate in English. If, for example, a person in China e-mails a vendor in Germany and writes, "Thk u", the German will think less of the person from China. The German will, understandable, consider the Chinese writer to be somewhat illiterate. In addition, many of the learners on this forum are students who are trying to learn English. Their future is somewhat dependent on them learning the correct way to communicate in English. A student who cannot write in English may not be accepted in certain schools that require an advanced ability in English.


Please do not think that I am absolutely confident in what I am saying. No, I am not. I am just trying to clarify things for me. By the way, what is you opinion on using contractions in published book? It is not a letter to your friend. So I would not call it informal writing. It is neither business letter nor academic paper. So I would not call it formal writing. What are your thoughts on that?
Generally speaking, a non-fiction book should not contain many contractions. The book, whether it be about growing trees or about medicine, understands that the readers expect the writing to be in a standardize form. If the reader has a basic education and understands how English is used, they should be able to read (maybe not understand, but at least read) the book.
I thank you very much for your help.

Gil

[emsr2d2]

Hi emsr2d2,
I also think that “textspeak” and contractions are not the same. Textspreak is the next step (after using contractions) in informal writing. So, if you do not mind using contractions, logically, you should not object using textspeak. If you are not using them, it is alright. But do you really think that you have to correct other poster’s textspeak?

In a few decades, for all I know, "textspeak" might be considered a perfectly acceptable form of English in all situations but, for now, as Gillnetter stated, it is a form of slang used by mainly younger people and has a specific purpose. I read in a newspaper recently that a female student in Scotland submitted an essay to her English teacher written using "textspeak". Her teacher gave it back and told her to write it out properly, and I entirely approve of that course of action. As you've said, something written should be understandable by the majority of people and her teacher didn't stand a chance of being able to make head nor tail of her essay.
On this forum, yes, I certainly do think I have to correct examples of textspeak. One of my personal aims as an English teacher is to ensure that correct spelling is used. "U" is not the correct spelling of the word "you". If someone on this forum is using such a style, it is impossible for us to tell if they know the correct spelling and are just trying to save space, or if they genuinely believe that "u" is how it is spelt. If it's not corrected, and they then go on to, for example, complete a job application or an important formal letter using such things as "u", their application/letter stands a good chance of being disregarded. It would be a disservice to learners on this site not to correct such things.

Please do not think that I am absolutely confident in what I am saying. No, I am not. I am just trying to clarify things for me. By the way, what is you opinion on using contractions in published book? It is not a letter to your friend. So I would not call it informal writing. It is neither business letter nor academic paper. So I would not call it formal writing. What are your thoughts on that?

As far as a published book is concerned, it depends on the subject matter. In a non-fiction book, I would expect to find few contractions and certainly no "textspeak". However, in a work of fiction, as I said before, just about anything goes. I have to say again, though, that I don't think there's a definite line between "formal" and "informal" writing. The situation would dictate whether or not you would use a more formal style.

I thank you very much for your help.

See above.

[birdeen's call]

If I was writing to a beginner, I would be careful to use, for example "I would", not "I'd".

"I'd" is especially tricky and you're right to keep doing as you do! And not only with beginners. I consider myself a fluent English speaker, and it was only a few years ago when I realized that "you'd better" is a contracted form of "you had better"!

[sbrodsky]

Gil

The words and terms used in a language develop over many years and acceptance by a majority of speakers is required before changes are accepted. If ""u" is used by a majority of speakers over a long period of time, then it will become the standard and "you" will be seen as being archaic.

Hi Gillnetter:
Let me be more specific with my questions.
Do you like the following style of writing in a book on a trip to South Africa?

"It's now been two weeks since I've returned from my trip to South Africa".

Do you think that there is acceptance by a majority of writers on using contractions here (if it is not reported speech)?
Would "I have returned" look archaic for you?
What are your preferences here?

Thank you

[euncu]

"I'd" is especially tricky and you're right to keep doing as you do! And not only with beginners. I consider myself a fluent English speaker, and it was only a few years ago when I realized that "you'd better" is a contracted form of "you had better"!

Not just 'd but also 's may confuse some non-native-speakers. If we are to talk about the level of ESL students, these two may be given reference to, but other than them, I can't see how the contractions may be related to the level of learners.