I think the boon of texting has caught the world by surprise. When I was growing up, when asked a question, we were instructed to practically repeat the question then answer it in full and complete sentences. This was called having a conversation. Today, with texting a conversation can be construed as such:h r u
ok
home?
2 or l8r
c u l8r
luv u
l u 2
bye
b
And that's it. No names. No capitalization, no sentences, barely any thought. And I wonder if this whole texting thing is effecting the art of conversation as a whole. I have noticed when asking a younger person, who, on their cell phone, racks up 1000 or more texts but only talks 20 minutes per month, (and those minutes are spent talking with their mother), any question at all that more often than not they provide an abbreviated answer. The abruptness of their responses is so astounding that you could draw the conclusion that they are being rude. But when asked about it, a look of utter shock and disbelief crosses their face followed by the words, "I'm not rude."
Lately I have found myself pouring out basic instructions on how to interact with people. Basic stuff like:
- When you meet someone say hello and ask them how they are doing.
- If it is a work colleague ask them how work is going.
- Listen to the other person, allowing them to speak and then share your opinion.
Lately I have been touting the tact that every conversation should be viewed as if it carries the importance of a job or college interview. That each conversation should be a practice field for talking and listening to others; still the blank stare.
I think when school starts I will mention this to some elementary teacher friends and see if they can squeeze into their already filled curriculum the basic art of conversation. Maybe then this next generation of texters will be able to communicate clearly on both levels.
o btw ttfn
3 comments:
OMG ROFL
L2U
HRU
Bro
Dear Brother,
HRU?
Well we are fine. I am stripping the old finish off the kitchen stairs so I can refinish them. The middle one is vacuuming the car. The little one and papa are cleaning the attic and the teen is off to work making money she can go to college some day.
See you later.
Your sister
Once again, we are living in the parallel worlds. While our boys do not yet have cell phones (we are trying to hold out as long as possible on that one) I totally agree that everything is short and to the point. Conversation is one word answers to almost everything. I, also feel the need to coach children when they make simple phone calls, since those are often, "hi is "so & so" there" usually without even mentioning who they are or addressing the parent to whom they are speaking. Argh, another very frustrating aspect of teendom.
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