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Please explain the purpose of IM spelling and language to me!


zackiedawg
08-12-2003, 12:10 PM
Not that I am 'flaming' or criticizing it intentionally...I just don't quite understand it.

For example, the following sentence: "I would like to go to the store and buy some parts for my car"

Is often typed out as such: "I wud lik 2 go 2 tha stoor n by sum parts 4 my car", or some derivation of that.

When I see posts that mimic this style, and someone questions the spelling, the general defense is that it is "IM" style. So that begs the question: what is the purpose of this spelling and typing style?

It seems like most of the odd spelling is to shorten the word length, but why? Is this to speed up typing the word? And if so, how much faster can you type "2" instead of "to", or "sum" instead of "some"? Is it truly saving that much time and effort?

Some of the altered spelling doesn't actually reduce the number of key inputs...it simply changes the spelling to a simplified, phoenetic-type pronounciation of the word. "Store" and "Stoor" would be the same key-count.

I must admit, I was initially very cynical about ths style of typing...assuming it was an example of the decline of our civilization, and that it demonstrated the lack of education in our society. I used to automatically judge the person as uneducated, ignorant, or stupid. But I have seen some "IM-style" typists reply to someone's bashing of their spelling, with a full-worded, normal, and properly spelled reply - proving they actually are capable of spelling correctly and typing normally, but choose not to.

So that is why I have to ask...and I do mean this honestly - if you use this type of spelling when chatting, IMing, or posting...why?

Please help a 34-year-old fart stay current (hip? fresh? dope?) ;)

freakray
08-12-2003, 12:18 PM
Laziness...

People are getting too lazy to type out a full word so they shorten it until it only makes any sense to them and their immediate friends.

Believe me, 34 isn't old and you're not an old fart for thinking it's common courtesy to spell correctly and use somewhat correct grammar.

tonioseven
08-12-2003, 12:27 PM
Originally posted by freakray
Laziness...

People are getting too lazy to type out a full word so they shorten it until it only makes any sense to them and their immediate friends.

Believe me, 34 isn't old and you're not an old fart for thinking it's common courtesy to spell correctly and use somewhat correct grammar. I agree wholeheartedly!! I use correct spelling and grammar when using IMs; there's no reason not to unless you don't know how to to otherwise. Bad spelling is one of my biggest pet peeves!!:thumbsdow The consistent lack of decent spelling and grammar, in my opinion, shows a severe lack of courtesy for the education I've attained.

YogsVR4
08-12-2003, 01:05 PM
As Ray and Tonio have pointed out, its laziness and a lack of courtesy. Using ‘teh’ in place of ‘the’ and a few others from time to time is fine with me, but the constant gibberish in some posts are virtually impossible to follow. Use those shortcuts if you wish, but nobody complains when you use proper grammar in your posts. We have people from around the world on this board and they are all kind enough to use English (when its not their primary language). I’m sure they’d appreciate it too.


34 isn't old - you youngster.

numbware
08-12-2003, 01:08 PM
Originally posted by freakray
Laziness...
:werd:

zackiedawg
08-12-2003, 01:20 PM
So far the 'full worded' people have responded...

Interesting...all agree so far that laziness is the primary reason, as opposed to ingorance or lack of education. I suppose that is a more optimistic view than my old assumptions of ignorance!

I am still hoping to hear from someone who does use this style, to get the flip-side viewpoint.

speediva
08-12-2003, 01:58 PM
It's also an "elite" internet language... or not. I personally don't see it that way, but it is kinda fun sometimes to see how things can morph into other things. Elite became leet which became l33t which became 1337 or 1337 h4x0r. Now, after nearly 8 years of being on the internet, I've come to understand much of the "w00tness" and "w3rds" and "pr0ns" of the language, but like you pointed out... "stoor" is just not getting anything accomplished.

There is a lot of incompetence out there today. I don't mean to be degrading, but every year the intelligence of the incoming Freshmen is getting lower and lower... at a NOTICABLE rate. They have no common courtesy, and less common sense. That's "wut" I mean. Learn how to spell. Learn some grammar. USE BOTH at least now and again, or I reserve the right to call you an uneducated piece of trash. It's ENGLISH that, granted, has become "americanized" but it still has rules and maybe, JUST MAYBE you'd like to abide by the laws of grammar since you're probably not abiding by the laws of the state or community.

jon@af
08-12-2003, 02:18 PM
Originally posted by saturntangerine
It's also an "elite" internet language... or not. I personally don't see it that way, but it is kinda fun sometimes to see how things can morph into other things. Elite became leet which became l33t which became 1337 or 1337 h4x0r. Now, after nearly 8 years of being on the internet, I've come to understand much of the "w00tness" and "w3rds" and "pr0ns" of the language, but like you pointed out... "stoor" is just not getting anything accomplished.

There is a lot of incompetence out there today. I don't mean to be degrading, but every year the intelligence of the incoming Freshmen is getting lower and lower... at a NOTICABLE rate. They have no common courtesy, and less common sense. That's "wut" I mean. Learn how to spell. Learn some grammar. USE BOTH at least now and again, or I reserve the right to call you an uneducated piece of trash. It's ENGLISH that, granted, has become "americanized" but it still has rules and maybe, JUST MAYBE you'd like to abide by the laws of grammar since you're probably not abiding by the laws of the state or community.

Damn, Tangie knows wassup:cool:

Porsche
08-12-2003, 02:27 PM
Ah, this topic is finally getting some light shed on it.

I have to storngly agree with most of the posts from the 'older crowd' in the first few responses. You guys totally hit the nail in the head as to why people talk that way.


My sister is really into that sort of typing when IMing people and it drives me insane. I thnik it's predominently found in younger computers users, but isn't limited to them. I almost fifeel that it's some kind of subconscious act of rebellion against the education that is being given to them. The time saving theory is a load of crap, watch this

are you 0.5 s
r u 0.3 s

If two tenths of a second mean that much to you then go ahead and use this IM style typing. However, my 15-year old sister will not suffer any sort of loss in any respect if she typed out the whole word. It just dosen't make sense to me.

I have to acknowledge Tangie's last paragraph in her reply. The intelligence of the Freshman year is getting much worse at a Noticeable rate. I take my sister as an example again, (Sorry if she reads this)

When I entered freshamn year of High School some years ago, I knew a fiar bit more than the average student, but I was never a A+ student, as tiem worn on, I would immerse myself into educational programming (Yes I watch educational TV, Discovery Channel and TLC are the shit) and foudn that slwoly, I was being educated far beyond any attempt that school could provide. By the time I graduatedI was a storng member of my School's 'Reach for the Top' team for those who know of it, and my friends were always amazed with my ability to explain processes or recall little known facts. Perhaps I'm an anomoly, or perhaps not. I have a love and apprection of learning and feel that it has gotten me where I am today.

My Sister on the other hand, hasn't been taking this route, it could very well be because we are two different people, but I see it throughout her frineds and even grade. Nobody wants to learn anymore, they see school as a punishment, and have zero respect for authority figures. This and a number of other reasons is what I believe to be a cause of this lowered competency.

Before I get too into this, I'd like to say that my story very well could be the tale of two different people and have little bearing on today's society, but I don't see it that way.

My sister's generation seems to be one that has the least amount of time, in the sense that things must happen instantaneously in order for them to be satisfied, or else the world will end as they know it. this coudl be a reason for the IM style messaging. But think about it, what are they in such a rush to do? Let their friends know that they got a new cell phone ring tone? Let them know within a matter of seconds that they don't like his/her teacher because they give out difficult tests? The mentality of a teenager seems to be more of a mystery to me each day, we get more ignorant, less productive and yet we constantly demand more and eventually come to expect it, with little or no regard of others outside our generation. This whole IM thing is an exstension of our world trying to co-exist with that of our previous generation's. It's not goign over well, and I never expected it to.

These days I just really think people are moving too fast to comprehend what living like this will eventually do.

Sorry for the rant and stuff, but I feel somewhat qualified to elaborate on this issue and hope we can bridge this generation gap.

2strokebloke
08-12-2003, 03:02 PM
How about this? We just shorten every word to two letters, just like we've done with the 50 states, so the above would look like the below:

HW AT TS? WE JT SN EY WD TO TW LS JT LE W'E DE WH TE 50 SS, SO TE AE WD LK LE TE BW:

jinushaun
08-12-2003, 03:20 PM
I understand abbreviation for shortness, but who the fusk spells 'store' as 'stoor' or whatever?! :confused: I understand sum, n, and cuz/cos. But what shits me is when people use 'ur' for your and you're. And buy -> by is just wrong.

And for me, substituting numbers for letters is so stupid. 2 = to, two, too; 4 = four, for... DUMB! Makes you look really stupid.

2strokebloke
08-12-2003, 03:34 PM
That's EZ 4U 2 say.

YogsVR4
08-12-2003, 03:41 PM
Originally posted by 2strokebloke
That's EZ 4U 2 say.

w3rd (at least I think thats how that goes)

MaNtiS3024
08-12-2003, 04:10 PM
0uR g3n3R/\Ti0n, 0uR w/\y 0f t@lk1nG

zebrathree
08-12-2003, 04:16 PM
What about the Americano way of putting "Z" in place of "S"? Or leaving out "U".

No offence to anyone of course, but that always annoys the hell out of me.

freakray
08-12-2003, 04:23 PM
Originally posted by zebrathree
What about the Americano way of putting "Z" in place of "S"? Or leaving out "U".

No offence to anyone of course, but that always annoys the hell out of me.

It get's a lot worse than that....believe me.....

tonioseven
08-12-2003, 04:26 PM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024
0uR g3n3R/\Ti0n, 0uR w/\y 0f t@lk1nG An excuse for purposeful rebellion and non-conformance; :shakehead

boingo82
08-12-2003, 06:42 PM
Originally posted by zebrathree
What about the Americano way of putting "Z" in place of "S"? Or leaving out "U".

No offence to anyone of course, but that always annoys the hell out of me.

That's at least formalized by the American dictionary.

As for the "l337" posters, I think they're typically just stupid.

BTW, isn't "Cefiro" usually spelled with an "I"?

zebrathree
08-12-2003, 06:48 PM
Not according to the back of the car.......

zebrathree
08-12-2003, 06:49 PM
Oops, you were right! :icon16:

ci5ic
08-12-2003, 06:52 PM
Ah yes, our resident grammer/punctuation/spelling officianado makes a cameo appearance!

Hi Boingo.

Yeah, that l337 is crap...

Like I see people all the time that type stuff like "meh" or "mah" instead of "me"... So, obviously that's not supposed to save time, I guess it sounds cool to them or something...

And I've said it to folks before that when you come to an automotive forum, and you need help with a problem or something, you're just making it harder for people to understand and help you (or give a shit about your dumb ass).

Sorry all you l337 Haxorz, but being retarded has never been cool, and it never will be.

Graphik Styles
08-12-2003, 06:53 PM
i sometimes say "teh" but thats only because im typing and im too lazy to go back and change it......i dont intentionally go around spellling it that way.....its by accident.....

boingo82
08-12-2003, 07:30 PM
Originally posted by ci5ic
Ah yes, our resident grammer/punctuation/spelling officianado makes a cameo appearance!

Hi Boingo.
..

Hello, how have you been??

I agree though, when someone is asking a question about cars, the least they could do is make their question readable.

Jay!
08-12-2003, 08:28 PM
A few of my thoughts on the subject, garnished with proper punctuation: :icon16:

I've come to a theory that '133t speak' or the substitution of 3 for E is generally to defeat search engines and swear filters.

I always use "meh" as a gutteral expression of apathy. I hope none of my mehs have been confused for possesive pronouns. ;)

Misspelling homophones is inexcusable. :nono:

speediva
08-12-2003, 08:32 PM
Originally posted by jay@af
A few of my thoughts on the subject, garnished with proper punctuation: :icon16:



I've come to a theory that '133t speak' or the substitutionof 3 for E is generally to defeat search engines and swear filters.



Ah yes, another thing I'd forgotten about. Pr0n is not going to trigger a parental filter. PORN on the other hand is DEFINATELY going to. It's a way for the "geeks" and the like to get around search engines and filters by "misspelling" and changing words such that "questionable" results can still be found.

jinushaun
08-12-2003, 11:58 PM
Originally posted by zebrathree
What about the Americano way of putting "Z" in place of "S"? Or leaving out "U".

No offence to anyone of course, but that always annoys the hell out of me. I find that English is more etymologically correct, while American ismore phonetically correct.

Centre v center:
It's pronounced 'sen-ter' in both cases, but centre is more correct because it's consistent with other usages of that root: central, centric, etc.

Now before you chastise my argument, there are other cases where words keep their etymological root. The only one I can think of at the moment is sign (from insignia). People always wonder about the silent g. It's there to be consistent with insignia.

2strokebloke
08-13-2003, 12:17 AM
Originally posted by ci5ic
Like I see people all the time that type stuff like "meh" or "mah" instead of "me"... So, obviously that's not supposed to save time, I guess it sounds cool to them or something...

Actually, "meh" has nothing to do with "me" when used correctly - it's like saying "whatever" get up to speed on your etymology. :biggrin: (although admittedly, you may find it used as "me" as in "Meh lady", but I'm not sure whether that's correct or not)

Sorry all you l337 Haxorz, but being retarded has never been cool, and it never will be.

And being angry about something just because you can't do it, or don't get it has also always been retarded. :loser:

Also about the center vs. centre argument - what about fiber vs. fibre, or tiger vs. tigre?

Toksin
08-13-2003, 12:33 AM
I can understand people using shortened words on IM'ing or cellphone txting since there is limited space, but not on a forum where you have unlimited space.

*ahem*

LOOK AT ALL THE SPACE I HAVE TO TYPE IN

Then there's things where people deliberately misspell words, eg what becomes "whut" (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) etc.

Learn to type correctly.

Take your time typing a reply.

Think.

Otherwise, fuck off and don't post.

That is all.

zackiedawg
08-13-2003, 01:35 AM
Well, thank you. There actually were a few examples cited in which I can understand the origins and usage of some of these alterations. Certainly to convey an obscene word which may otherwise be censored, I can understand the alteration. And I definately understand it in text messaging, in which limited space may require shortening certain words to convey the full thought.

I guess I would have to agree on a combination of laziness and trendiness which makes people bring that language onto message boards where you have nearly unlimited room to type, and have the ability to edit and correct what you type before posting.

Most misspellings are acceptable (there have been quite a few even in this thread), because a majority of them seem to be related to typing errors. A few erroneous spellings will always leak through too...but as long as the word is used in context, I can accept those as well.

I have mellowed to the IM language, because it has become so prevalent on message boards; if I want to enjoy the boards, I must accept this.

However, I still tug at my hair and want to punch the walls when I hear the astounding amount of 'brain-fart' words which are being used in common American language. These are mostly the infamous "LIKE" and "YOU KNOW", the action verb "WAS ALL", as well as the pause words "um" and "uh", and the wrap up words such as "and all", "and everything", and "or something". I know there were some in the thread above...amazing that we even take the time to TYPE OUT our brain-fart words! You may have heard these, but do not realize how prevalent they are. Try listening for the word "like" next time you talk to a younger person. Count them. you will be amazed. If you don't know a younger person, tune in to an episode of "The Real World" on MTV..a virtual Like-fest. It is truly epidemic.

I have honestly heard sentences this bad: "ummm, Like, I was like driving, you know, and like this guy is, uh, all honking at me, you know? So I like flip him off and all, and he's all like peed off or something, you know?! Like dude, what is your problem!"

Actually, now that my initial question has been answered, I want to know why we have so many brain-fart words in our language now!

Jimster
08-13-2003, 02:35 AM
wat is u unhip freshstas talkin bout i want 2 be uneek lik my frends


GAG!!!!!! I hate the damn stupid ass shorthand bullshit- it is REALLY hard to type in 3 maybe 4 extra letters- and don't give me any of this slow-typer bullshit- I'm probably slower than 99% of AF- but still at least make the effort to bloody well spell properly, use grammar and FUCKING PUNCTUATION- Whenever I see 3 paragraphs worth of jibberish that has no flow on AF- I always make the effort to tell the morons that I didn't bother to read a word of it and won't until they learn to type properly- none of them ever do. Kids never learn- that's an important lesson in life.

When I was visiting my family last year I observed my 13 (now 14) year old step-sister typing like I did in my first paragraph- I went off my nutter at her- now when I talk to her on the interweb- she is actually understandable- and her English marks have picked up.

taranaki
08-13-2003, 03:22 AM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024
0uR g3n3R/\Ti0n, 0uR w/\y 0f t@lk1nG

This I find rather interesting,and far more interesting than 1337-speak.
The author has not missed out any letters,or mis-spelled any word,simply opting to use alternative keys to create their text.

You might have noticed that I rarely slip into web-nonsense,preferring the Queen's English.This is because I am schooled in the language,and part of that schooling was an insight into thevalue of a universally-recogniseable lexicon.

I could drop into the written representation of any number of dialects,as was demonstrated by Oz in his recent phonetic New Zealand English thread,but it's far more courteous to use a language in a manner that most people can understand,relate to,and respond to.

I suspect that most users of TXT-style language are either incapable of writing coherent English,or indifferent as to the abilities of their intended audience to recognise this bowdlerised sub-language.

Macro
08-13-2003, 03:29 AM
Originally posted by Toksin
I can understand people using shortened words on IM'ing or cellphone txting since there is limited space, but not on a forum where you have unlimited space.

*ahem*

LOOK AT ALL THE SPACE I HAVE TO TYPE IN

Then there's things where people deliberately misspell words, eg what becomes "whut" (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) etc.

Learn to type correctly.

Take your time typing a reply.

Think.

Otherwise, fuck off and don't post.

That is all.

:werd:

Sean
08-13-2003, 04:03 AM
I am beginning to loathe the whole IM "style" of writting. it rarely saves time, and in my opinion, makes the user look like foolish. I can understand the benifits of using it on a cell phone, where space is limited, but otherwise it's a bunch of :bs:

I have noticed the degenerating quality, as stated earlier. Even though I'm only 16, while attemping to talk to my friend's younger sister via MSN, I noticed the heavy usage of this... dialect, more than people of my age. Hopefully it's just a phase for this age group, because I don't like the idea of a world where business memo's are written like "hey bob, th35e n3w st0kk optns r0x0r!"

Ugh.

Toksin
08-13-2003, 04:04 AM
Originally posted by taranaki


This I find rather interesting,and far more interesting than 1337-speak.


That is 1337speak :p

slave
08-13-2003, 05:26 AM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024
0uR g3n3R/\Ti0n, 0uR w/\y 0f t@lk1nG

Yes!!! I can translate this one!! It says "I am a wanker."


BTW, I LOVE this.

A Plan for the Improvement of English Spelling
by Mark Twain
For example, in Year 1 that useless letter "c" would be dropped to be replased either by "k" or "s", and likewise "x" would no longer be part of the alphabet. The only kase in which "c" would be retained would be the "ch" formation, which will be dealt with later. Year 2 might reform "w" spelling, so that "which" and "one" would take the same konsonant, wile Year 3 might well abolish "y" replasing it with "i" and Iear 4 might fiks the "g/j" anomali wonse and for all.

Jenerally, then, the improvement would kontinue iear bai iear with Iear 5 doing awai with useless double konsonants, and Iears 6-12 or so modifaiing vowlz and the rimeining voist and unvoist konsonants. Bai Iear 15 or sou, it wud fainali bi posibl tu meik ius ov thi ridandant letez "c", "y" and "x" -- bai now jast a memori in the maindz of ould doderez -- to riplais "ch", "sh", and "th" rispektivli.

Fainali, xen, aafte sam 20 iers ov orxogrefkl riform, wi wud hev a lojikl, kohirnt speling in ius xrewawt xe Ingliy-spiking werld.

boingo82
08-13-2003, 11:04 PM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024
0uR g3n3R/\Ti0n, 0uR w/\y 0f t@lk1nG

I made you a sig:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/977046nonspelling.jpg

YogsVR4
08-13-2003, 11:05 PM
Originally posted by boingo82


I made you a sig:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/977046nonspelling.jpg

:worshippy

MaNtiS3024
08-13-2003, 11:58 PM
hey now, why the hate? I usually use "normal" english when chatting, like spelling out "you" and "to", most of my friends, computer nerds talk in L33t. I neither approve of or condone the "IM chat style". I can understand why most of you feel this way about it. What about the old old people from the 70s and 80s talking metaphoric phrases and slangs that make no sense at all (to us).

- Katty-wonkered
- Whopper jawed
- Up your nose with a rubber hose
- Rain before seven, quit before eleven
- Don't that beat all
- chompin on the bit

Go to any retirement down the street from you and spark up a conversation with any of those good old people and you tell me you accept the way they talk just because their generation came before yours. The fact is, language like most things, evolves. From Latin spawned French, Spanish, English, and many others. American English isnt even close to European or British English. The Europeans can say we take out u's in certain words but we can say they put in u's in certain words. They feel that their varation of the language is superior only because they grew up on it. There is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to language. Sure there are certain rules that should be followed for formality and uniformity purposes. Language is for communication and only that, and for those of you who make conclusions on the intelligence and knowledge of others based on the way they talk or in this case, dictate their words, you should look down upon and pity youself and not them. I posted on this thread in hope of promoting some understanding, but as it shows all you people assumed that I had poor verbal and grammatical understanding just because the way my words were dictated. The point is, if you can understand it, then it works. After all, that is the point of speaking a language, to understand and be understood. Consider this an evolution process towards a more efficient way and faster of communicating. Call it "newspeak".

omicron
08-14-2003, 12:13 AM
I believe that it is a good idea that most people keep a firm eye on http://www.dictionary.com and think before they post. I have a marked favorite at the top of my internet explorer that I like to click on if i'm not sure on spelling.

As for the meh, bah, heh, lol, and things like that, I don't really mind reading that once and a while. Sometimes if i'm being a smartass I will use that stuff. I have an average of about 80-85 words per minute with low to no mistakes, and it really doesn't matter to me if I type short words or long words. :bigthumb:

Keep on chatting and don't let little things bother you, people have a certain way that they like to type, and I don't think anyone has the right to change that. This is just like colour vs color, and favourite vs favorite.

Porsche
08-14-2003, 01:03 AM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024
The point is, if you can understand it, then it works. After all, that is the point of speaking a language, to understand and be understood. Consider this an evolution process towards a more efficient way and faster of communicating. Call it "newspeak".



The point is, we can't understand it, and there's a number of generations on here. If more than one person has difficulty understanding it, it's a problem.

MaNtiS3024
08-14-2003, 01:19 AM
Originally posted by Porsche




If more than one person has difficulty understanding it, it's a problem.

Think of it this my way, you're learning something new in math class from the textbook. You understand it completely but the person next to you doesnt. Is it the textbook's problem of explaining things or does the person have poor comprehension? It seems to me that you people who arent understanding it are just slamming the textbook closed and say its stupid and it makes no sense. For those of you people call those who speak "IM" stupid and illiterate because they talk in a way you cant understand, does that make them stupid for confusing you or does that make you stupid for not understanding them?

2strokebloke
08-14-2003, 01:29 AM
Maybe it's like Mexicans? You can't understand them, so you tell them to speak english? Well, so many people speak english as their primary language - so for the sake of keeping things running smoothly - they're going to have to speak it too, reguardless of the fact that it's just a failure to comprehend on either person's behalf.

The only difference here is that the person does know how to write proper english.

boingo82
08-14-2003, 02:57 PM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024
....... and for those of you who make conclusions on the intelligence and knowledge of others based on the way they talk or in this case, dictate their words, you should look down upon and pity youself and not them. I posted on this thread in hope of promoting some understanding, but as it shows all you people assumed that I had poor verbal and grammatical understanding just because the way my words were dictated....

I just assumed that you were either:

a: Too lazy to learn the proper way to spell whilst back in elementary school, or

b: Too lazy to use proper english now, or

c: a smartass.

Turns out it was b + c.

freakray
08-14-2003, 03:12 PM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024


Think of it this my way, you're learning something new in math class from the textbook. You understand it completely but the person next to you doesnt. Is it the textbook's problem of explaining things or does the person have poor comprehension? It seems to me that you people who arent understanding it are just slamming the textbook closed and say its stupid and it makes no sense. For those of you people call those who speak "IM" stupid and illiterate because they talk in a way you cant understand, does that make them stupid for confusing you or does that make you stupid for not understanding them?

So you are saying that because I speak English but don't understand when you post gibberish, it must be me that is stupid?
Maybe you are being a bit arrogant about the situation?

Your analogy is so wayward of the mark it can't even be considered an analogy. Closing a book which explains something in detail is stupid, there is no book on your 'language' is there?

Using ebonics in an enviroment where everyone understands what you're saying is acceptable, but don't complain when you go into an enviroment where nobody can communicate in your slang and then complain because they don't understand you, it is you who is being ignorant, not them.

This has been said a hundred times here and I will say it again for good measure, this isn't IM, it is an internet forum, not everyone speaks English as a first language yet it is the accepted posting medium. Respect the non-English speaking members and post in proper English using proper sentences so they can understand too.

MaNtiS3024
08-14-2003, 03:28 PM
Originally posted by freakray


So you are saying that because I speak English but don't understand when you post gibberish, it must be me that is stupid?
Maybe you are being a bit arrogant about the situation?

Your analogy is so wayward of the mark it can't even be considered an analogy. Closing a book which explains something in detail is stupid, there is no book on your 'language' is there?

Using ebonics in an enviroment where everyone understands what you're saying is acceptable, but don't complain when you go into an enviroment where nobody can communicate in your slang and then complain because they don't understand you, it is you who is being ignorant, not them.

This has been said a hundred times here and I will say it again for good measure, this isn't IM, it is an internet forum, not everyone speaks English as a first language yet it is the accepted posting medium. Respect the non-English speaking members and post in proper English using proper sentences so they can understand too.



Most of the people were complaining that it was stupid and pointless, you're saying that you cant understand it at all! First of all, how old are you? Over 30, then I'm not even gona bother. Second if you cant understand something like "c u l8tr" or "how r u doing", then I have to say yes, you are relatively stupid. Doesn't take a genius to translate that. I am well aware that this is a forum and not IM, are you aware that the topic of this thread refers to "IM talk"?

freakray
08-14-2003, 03:42 PM
Originally posted by MaNtiS3024


Most of the people were complaining that it was stupid and pointless, you're saying that you cant understand it at all! First of all, how old are you? Over 30, then I'm not even gona bother. Second if you cant understand something like "c u l8tr" or "how r u doing", then I have to say yes, you are relatively stupid. Doesn't take a genius to translate that. I am well aware that this is a forum and not IM, are you aware that the topic of this thread refers to "IM talk"?

Okay, get off the arrogant pony and start reading the posts, I typed in perfectly comprehendable English.

I didn't say I personally don't understand your IM speak, I simply responded to the fact that you insinuated that if a person doesn't understand IM speak they are stupid. Perhaps using IM speak so much has affected your ability to comprehend the fully written English language.

How old are you, under 18? Then I am not even going to bother.

On IM, using IM speak is acceptable since space to type isn't exactly at a premium, but on a forum where you can type proper sentences I see no point to abbreviate every word.
The occasional abbreviation or the like is perfectly acceptable, but something like that Bubba Sparxx post is plain ridiculous.

The topic of this thread is indeed IM talk, read the first post again youngster, the topic is really 'what is the point of using IM talk in a forum'.

It doesn't take a genius to get through high school in America now either, perhaps that is more the problem here.

As jy kan nie Engels verstaan, miskien is dit beter as ek 'n ander taal gebruik met jou?

Integra06
08-14-2003, 10:51 PM
Most of the people were complaining that it was stupid and pointless, you're saying that you cant understand it at all! First of all, how old are you? Over 30, then I'm not even gona bother. Second if you cant understand something like "c u l8tr" or "how r u doing", then I have to say yes, you are relatively stupid. Doesn't take a genius to translate that. I am well aware that this is a forum and not IM, are you aware that the topic of this thread refers to "IM talk"?
And it doensn't take a genius to use proper fucking English either. So fuck off.

MaNtiS3024
08-14-2003, 11:21 PM
Okay, get off the arrogant pony and start reading the posts, I typed in perfectly comprehendable English.

I didn't say I personally don't understand your IM speak, I simply responded to the fact that you insinuated that if a person doesn't understand IM speak they are stupid. Perhaps using IM speak so much has affected your ability to comprehend the fully written English language.

How old are you, under 18? Then I am not even going to bother.

On IM, using IM speak is acceptable since space to type isn't exactly at a premium, but on a forum where you can type proper sentences I see no point to abbreviate every word.
The occasional abbreviation or the like is perfectly acceptable, but something like that Bubba Sparxx post is plain ridiculous.

The topic of this thread is indeed IM talk, read the first post again youngster, the topic is really 'what is the point of using IM talk in a forum'.

It doesn't take a genius to get through high school in America now either, perhaps that is more the problem here.

As jy kan nie Engels verstaan, miskien is dit beter as ek 'n ander taal gebruik met jou?



First of all, how old are you anways? If you actually read one of my previous posts, I stated that I dont support nor condone IM talk. I wanted to help people like you understand but as it shows its not going through your head. If You expect people to talk and type certain way online, then thats just your personal preference an Im not even going to bother argueing.The occasional abbreviation or the like is perfectly acceptable "The occasional abbreviation or the like is perfectly acceptable..", again your personal opinion. Whats the point of using IM talk? Does it really have to have a point? People talk how they want, wear what they want, and live how they want. If you have a problem with it, too bad for you, but don't go on bitching about it, keep it to yourself. Now youre going to say, "well this is a forum, and i can say and bitch about anything i want ". Well so can everyone else.

freakray
08-14-2003, 11:42 PM
First of all, how old are you anways? If you actually read one of my previous posts, I stated that I dont support nor condone IM talk. I wanted to help people like you understand but as it shows its not going through your head. If You expect people to talk and type certain way online, then thats just your personal preference an Im not even going to bother argueing.The occasional abbreviation or the like is perfectly acceptable "The occasional abbreviation or the like is perfectly acceptable..", again your personal opinion. Whats the point of using IM talk? Does it really have to have a point? People talk how they want, wear what they want, and live how they want. If you have a problem with it, too bad for you, but don't go on bitching about it, keep it to yourself. Now youre going to say, "well this is a forum, and i can say and bitch about anything i want ". Well so can everyone else.

What the hell of a difference does my age make?
If it is any help, you can look at my profile as easily as I looked at yours to ascertain your age, I was not surprised to see you're 17, since by your posts I was figuring on you being about 16.

You haven't read my post and fully understood it YET have you.
I refuse to draw pictures for you, your school teachers may stoop to that level, but I will not.

Now, at the risk of sounding like your father, I will say this once more and the last time.
I don't have a big problem with IM talk, it is the crap like that Bubba Sparxx thread that is totally bullshit to post.
You see, what am I not understanding? I am agreeing with you but you are too busy trying to argue

I mean, did you understand that last line in my previous post?
No? But I know at least one other person here that did, so why don't I put all my posts in that language?
Simple answer, the rest of the forum doesn't speak that language so out of respect I type in English. Not very confusing is it.

As to the last lines in your post, I am pleased to see you're learning the ways of the forum, now all you need to do is grow in your understanding of the world and things can only get better ;)

Really MaNtiS, aside from one statement you made, we seem to be agreeing on the matter, so stop so hard to argue with me.

Toksin
08-15-2003, 12:04 AM
Jy weet Ray, ek verstaan nie hoekom almal sommer nie net Afrikaans praat nie? Dis soveel makliker! :)

Where the hell did this topic go anyway? I've lost track about who's arguing over what...

MaNtiS3024
08-15-2003, 12:12 AM
What the hell of a difference does my age make?
If it is any help, you can look at my profile as easily as I looked at yours to ascertain your age, I was not surprised to see you're 17, since by your posts I was figuring on you being about 16.

You haven't read my post and fully understood it YET have you.
I refuse to draw pictures for you, your school teachers may stoop to that level, but I will not.

Now, at the risk of sounding like your father, I will say this once more and the last time.
I don't have a big problem with IM talk, it is the crap like that Bubba Sparxx thread that is totally bullshit to post.
You see, what am I not understanding? I am agreeing with you but you are too busy trying to argue

I mean, did you understand that last line in my previous post?
No? But I know at least one other person here that did, so why don't I put all my posts in that language?
Simple answer, the rest of the forum doesn't speak that language so out of respect I type in English. Not very confusing is it.

As to the last lines in your post, I am pleased to see you're learning the ways of the forum, now all you need to do is grow in your understanding of the world and things can only get better ;)

Really MaNtiS, aside from one statement you made, we seem to be agreeing on the matter, so stop so hard to argue with me.



First of all, you keep mentioning Bubba Sparxx. Who is he? "I refuse to draw pictures for you, your school teachers may stoop to that level, but I will not." , dont even give me that crap because I'm younger, what if i was older than you? I never insulted you or put you down with a statement to make myself look smart or funny. But maybe you're right, maybe I don't understand what you're trying to say, but dont assume that it's my fault. What you say makes perfect sense to you but maybe not others, which is exactly the case when it comes to this other language. I do understand your point but has it ever occured to you that they might be doing it intentionally to confuse people like you and me? Most people know how to talk when they want to be understood. Use "proper common english". Also, I'm not argueing here, I'm trying to understand you and you're trying to understand me. I think this thread should be closed before any serious starts. As for the point of IM talk? Just tell yourself there isnt a point and you'll feel smarter.

Toksin
08-15-2003, 12:18 AM
*tries to remember what thread is about*

*watches people arguing and flaming*

*gives up, leaves*

freakray
08-15-2003, 10:12 AM
First of all, you keep mentioning Bubba Sparxx. Who is he?

Some wannabe white rapper....

There was a thread on him the other day which is what I am referring to, the language/typing in the thread was so bad you couldn't make out what the guy was trying to say, that is the langauge I am referring to.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t127236.html

Glad we worked this out.

zackiedawg
08-15-2003, 12:52 PM
Well, that went off on its own little tangent, didn't it!?

But the thread seems to have returned to the main topic. Aside from the little argument that volleyed back and forth, after which we basically determined the argument was the same from two different angles, I have learned a bit from the responses to my original question.

The last post was a good one...this "bubba sparks" thread, which I had not previously seen, is along the lines of what I was inquiring about. Not the occasional or sprinkled use of abbreviated words, but the use of symbols, numbers, reversed letters, shortened words, even alternate words - while it may be fun, and maybe can be used as a 'special' language amongst friends, it shouldn't replace a person's vocabulary in spoken or written word in all situations.

Unfortunately, sometimes it would seem that it does completely replace proper English grammar and spelling for some people. Understanding the number of people from many countries, languages, and educational levels who read these forums, I would expect those who have created their own language to refrain from using it here, since too many people are not 'in on' the secret to decoding it.

Now that doesn't have to mean a person is stupid because they cannot translate 'Talk 2 U l8er'. Yes, most English speaking natives can pick up on the intended meaning of that. But what if English is NOT your first language? Or worse yet, some people here may not even speak English. I occasionally surf some European sites which use another language, and I have to rely on babelfish translation to read and return replies. If you put '133T' or 'l8er' into a translator, it will not decypher the code. So out of respect for the international community, most have agreed to communicate in standardized English.

My question was originally intended to find out if people who are using this 'speak' were doing so intentionally on these web pages, despite the discourtesy to others who may not be able to fully understand it...or were they doing so instinctually, since they have been using it so often and so repetitively that it has become ingrained within them; and would they write e-mails to friends and family this way, notes to mailmen, job applications, etc.

Thanks all so far for both sides of the responses...those who are fiercely against this type of posting and those who offer a view as to why it is used and the thinking (or lack thereof) behind it. I don't think anyone has posted yet fully defending this type of posting, and I don't think we have gotten replies from people who have actually made posts in this format. Maybe that can help send a message to those who do continue to use IM-style typing here that even those who understand it and use it for IM and personal messages do not like it on message boards!

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