The Evolution Mutation of the English Language
by Kevin Hendrickson
It has become increasingly apparent that our language as we know it is changing right before our eyes. While the very existence of language already guarantees that it will change over time, and that this is a seemingly normal and natural process, the stage we are currently in seems to be being met with at least some resistance. On one side the change is being embraced and accepted while on the other it is being fought with extreme conviction. Most importantly, the changes are not isolated incidents, as various sub-cultures are developing their own dialects of the english language. Looking at the internet and texting cultures, we can see that they are developing their own versions of the written word. The Gangster and Hip Hop culture is also a prime example of the changes we face. These are, of course, not the only subjects of the change. One only needs to turn on the television and watch an episode of Jerry Springer or Dr. Phil for examples of what can be considered verbal sewage of the english language. Regardless, each of these sub-cultures are developing their own dialects, all of which are leaking into mainstream culture. One could easily argue that this is forming a whole new bastardization of english as we know it, not to mention the alteration of the discussed dialects as they all amalgamate into one. The question is, is this evolution of language beneficial or detrimental? If the latter, is there anything we can do to stop or slow down the negative change? Once analyzed from a detached and neutral perspective, it is revealed that the answer is much less obvious and the issue becomes quite the conundrum.
The first and foremost example is the growing trend of slang reaching into the mainstream. Words such as 'dunno' make their way into professional writings with relative ease nowadays. Other words are being used in ridiculous excess, such as the ever popular 'like.' To say that it's commonly used would be an understatement. It was bad enough when it was being spoken every third word by the blond bobble heads in conjunction with the blaspheming “Oh my god!” Where are people's values today? You can't even count on swearing to remain pure these days, which has a tinge of irony to it when you think about it given the fact that most swear words did not begin as such. Where once you'd call an angry ex-girlfriend “an angry bitch,” we now find people using the term “biatch.” Even the slang has slang now. This is the first example of a language spiraling out of control. I was once told that in India, the language is primarily english due to the fact that the Indian language is divided into so many dialects, that anything you learn in one area becomes useless if you travel even a few miles in any direction as the dialects are so different they become unrecognizable, thus rendering the Indian language a dead and useless language as it cannot be used to communicate effectively. How much accuracy the story has is up for debate, but the moral is clear. The point is if we allow our language to continue on this path, this story may very well become a reality in the Western world and our ability to communicate will be lost. This situation however, while not the smallest, is the most subtle of our worries.
Taking it the proverbial one step further, the baggy pants, sideways baseball hat wearing, hooded sweater demographic is a clear, cut and dried look at just how quickly language can change. Part of the last paragraph outlined a bastardization of a bastardization with the profanity “bitch.” Who would of imagine a culture that uses it as a term of endearment. What we see as a symbol of disrespect, our “Yeah Boi!” demographic actually finds it the opposite. Additionally, where the Egyptians worshiped cats, this culture seems to give a lot of respect to canines. With the history of the previously outlined profanity, and realizing that the term “dawg” is another sign of respect, we can see a trend being formed. It is almost as though its opposite to our current language. Anything we understand to be negative is positive. Perhaps this is why this culture is typically seen with underpants worn outside of the pants. Gimmicks and stereotypes aside, one cannot deny the influence Gangster and Hip Hop culture have also had on the mainstream. The change in language goes much deeper than outlined. What most people see only scratches the surface of a much greater and complex overhaul in language. What is heard on the radio in today's rap and hip hop is a watered down version of the dialect, more suited for mainstream culture. It is toned down so that those who are not experienced in the dialect can understand it. It is the middle ground between these two sides of our language. Once across the threshold, a much more interesting picture is painted. Like the story of Indian dialects, it is almost impossible to understand a lot of what is said between those who are deep into this culture. While written it follows little in terms of rules or regulations, the spoken word has developed to an amazing degree. To the untrained ear it may sound primitive or even immature, and this may very well be the case. Nonetheless, its development as a dialect I undeniable and raise some interesting questions on how it came to be as it is. Perhaps a survival mechanism or otherwise adaptive trait based on living conditions or lifestyle. This is an aspect of language that does have a secure place in society, for better or for worse. The main issue is that this culture exists within the boundaries of mainstream culture. There is no problem with differing cultures interacting, but assimilation becomes an issue. There is no official recognition of this dialect, but no one can deny its influence, and due to it existing within our own understanding of english, it becomes problematic for educators, employers and authorities. It develops a communications barrier right within our own society. So while it very well can earn the right to exist, its location is problematic. I personally believe the culture did get one thing right at the least. What we view as profanities are typically ignored as such to them. I think this is a step in the right direction. A major qualm I've always had is our taboo on profane terms. Western society needs to lift it's taboo on profanities and view them as merely words that can be used to add emphasis. Though, ironically, perhaps this emphasis stems from the fact that these words are taboo.
All that aside however, the best example by far is the growing trend of 'text speak,' a form of language born in the online world, most commonly used a method to speak through Instant Messengers and Cellphone Text Messages. Text speak includes changes to words, usually shortening them. For example, 'You' is written as 'U,' 'Thanks' or 'Thank you' is written as 'Thnx' or 'Ty,' and words like 'Because' are written as 'cuz.' There are many more examples of this change and, to the growing frustration of educators, it has been quickly making its way into the classroom and professional environment. It has become viewed as such a blatant corruption of language that one would not find much difficulty in believing me if I were to say “Since the creation of the internet, the rotation of the world has been primarily fueled by the collective rolling of english teachers in their graves.” However, are we being to quick to judge? To read a sentence such as “hey how r u? wat u doin tonite?” seems almost childish, but it is almost beautiful in its simplicity. The statement is no more difficult to understand than its properly written counterpart, but it is much shorter and compact. To one with experience in writing like this, it could easily be much quicker and, therefore, effective to use this method. Much more information can fit into the limited space of a cellphone or Instant Messenger screen with this method of writing, and by pen and paper it can save valuable seconds in long works. Abbreviations such as 'brb' (Be Right Back) shorten writing and speech immensely while still communicating an easily understood point. Sill, when reading words like 'wat,' I can't help but imagine it sounding along the same lines as the quack of a duck, but is this enough to condemn this writing practice? As it stands, the foundation users of the internet community are for the most part strongly opposed to this form of language, viewing it as childlike, unintelligent and lacking sufficient structure to be used efficiently. Polls on online forums and message boards have revealed that the user base uses a much more familiar and structured english, and generally outcasts those who cling to 'text speak.' While there are clearly arguments for both sides of the spectrum, the fact remains that with the lack of rules and regulations for grammar and spelling, the 'text speak' dialect is chaotic and inefficient to be considered proper english in any scenario. Nonetheless, it is easily edging its way into the core of our language. It is not uncommon now to hear it in everyday, verbal conversation. Friends and peers using terms like 'brb' verbally has become a normal occurrence. It has become increasingly difficult to resist the addition of these terms to our mainstream english, and we've established that while in some cases it can be beneficial it is in no way ready to become a dialect of its own. Sadly, the dialect is like a child who is too eager to grow up. With people readily accepting this addition, the integrity of our language is being compromised. Not to be melodramatic, but while it is nearly impossible to imagine the english language dying, 'text speak' may very well be one step towards the bitter end.
Once again this is only the tip of the iceberg, but gives good insight to how our language is changing. While there is a lot of potential in many of the changes in theory, in practice most of what our language is going through seems to be detrimental. but perhaps this is a bias speaking. One can only guess how the speakers of Old English felt as it transitioned into its next era. Regardless, change happened and will continue to happen for better or for worse. What we can do about it in any may be limited, but it seems about time we at least try to influence things to move in a positive direction. After all, its our voice, why should we let anyone change how we use it?
