The English Language is Collapsing... Why?

"Now, it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes: it is not due simply to the bad influence of this or that individual writer." -George Orwell, "Politics and the English Language"

As I finished reading and annotating George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language", I really caught myself thinking about this particular part of this essay. Without any doubt, there are numerous major causes towards the downfall of the English Language; Orwell stated so himself. But everyone has different opinions as to what the leading cause of our declining language really is. Orwell validates that the English language is falling apart mainly due to politics and economics. I agree with Orwell, but simultaneously contradict his idea. While I also believe that political and economic causes have affected our language, I feel that there is another factor out there that has negatively impacted our language; a trend that is convenient yet unprofessional... texting. Just about every teenager and adult in our country has access to texting. It is what one would call 'hip' or 'cool'. But is texting really 'cool' in the long run?

People have become addicted to texting. Some teenagers sneak their cell phones with them to the dinner table, and text under the table when their parents aren't looking. Employees might sneak into the bathroom and text on the job. Better yet, I have seen people text at church! Everyone loves texting- well, maybe not everyone. My dad, for example, once said, "What's the point of texting when you have a phone that you can actually talk on?" I completely agree with my dad. Even though texting may be convenient and easy, or even fun, it is a trend that makes some people look lazy and unprofessional, which challenges Orwell's point that "[the downfall of a language] is not due simply to the bad influence of this or that individual writer." This statement is partially inaccurate. The way one individual writes may have an impact on the way someone else writes. If someone uses shorthand ("The Texting Language") writing, someone else might do the same. At the moment, texting may seem to be a convenience. However, if a teacher asks a student to write an essay, that student might write using "The Texting Language". That would most likely result in a failing grade. Using "u" for "You" or "l8r" for "Later" looks ridiculous in several cases.

To finalize my argument, texting isn't helpful towards the English language in the long run. So the next time you are about to text someone, try calling them instead. You will impress them!