SMS language or commonly called text speaks is created for the purpose of speeding up the creation of text messages. It is basically a slang version of the English language. The predictive text feature is rarely used since the SMS language has been introduced.
SMS language or text speak does not follow the proper English grammar and are not included in any standard dictionary. SMS language has no rules as long as it is understood by the receiver. It is widely used nowadays due to the popularity of text messaging. It is believed that the text speak language started in the heydays of telegrams.
There are plenty of words which can be shortened in text speak. Usually SMS language is a combination of words and numbers to form a short word from its original writing. One example is when you use the word "skater." It can be shortened by typing it "sk8er." The manner of writing this language is almost the same with other web based applications. Text speak is also a popular way of communicating through Internet like in the chat rooms.
The use of text speak is also due to the character limits of SMS messages. In excess of the 160 characters allotted, the mobile phone providers charge an additional fee. Text speak also lessens the time spent in creating messages using the mobile phone's keypads which has no full functional keyboard capability.
Text speaks' primary objective is to allow users to create messages using the least characters possible while it conveys the same message. In this regard, grammar rules, punctuations and capitalization are not important.
Text speaks are sometimes different from the others which depends on the group of people using it. Teenagers can be using a different text speak format from the business circle. Since there are no rules in composing the messages, any group with the same interest can create their own text speaks as long as they understand the meaning among them.
In text speak, some of the words can be typed using a single letter. Here are some of the single words and its equivalent text speaks:
you - u
be - b
see - c
why - y
are - r
Single Number Format
A word can be written by alternatively using a number.
for - 4
ate - 8
two, to, too - 2
Letter and Number Combination Format
mate - m8
skate - sk8
skater - sk8r
later - l8r
great - gr8
before - b4
therefore - there4, thr4
forever - 4ever
In most cases, punctuations are omitted to shorten or minimize the use of characters. Here are some of the examples:
coming - comin
texting - txtin
sorry - sry, sory
Long phrases can also be abbreviated which is understood among many mobile users. Some of the examples are as follows:
be right back - brb
because - becoz, coz, cuz, bcos
boyfriend - bf
by the way - btw
for your information - fyi
laugh out loud - lol
just kidding - kd
no problem - np
Because of text speak languages, mobile users can quickly create messages commonly understood by mobile users even from other countries. It is more convenient than having to type the Standard English words.
