Language Ideologies

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2018/04/17/emojis-ruining-english-language-young-people-rely-communicate/

 
My comment:

The English language will forever be evolving in order to adapt to the modern climate. Like many living organisms, the ability to change is what enables it to survive. Modern communication is now instant. In most low register communication, conversations are short, swift, and to the point. This means that writers must find new ways to show meaning as efficiently as possible, and as they say “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Emojis are the fastest way to show meaning whilst only tapping once on the screen of your phone.

 

Although some may argue that the use of emojis is ruining the English language, leaving the newest generation with poor communication skills. However, the youth’s latest iconographical argot is simply a modern adaptation of what we all did in our younger days. Much like our parent, parents of today are out of the loop and do not like it.

My analysis:

My comment above argues that the introduction of emojis to the English language is simply a modern adaptation of how the younger generation uses images to communicate.

The positive simile, referring language to a living organism, is an example of pathos, as the audience creates a personal connection with language. The use of pathos increases the chances of the audience agreeing with the writer’s statement.

 

The following sentence “modern communication s now instant” presents a metaphor as if it was a fact (logos), giving the audience no opportunity to argue with the sentence. Furthermore, the short sentence structure demonstrates how fast information is presented in the modern ages.

After which I have used the term “low register communication” in order to increase my credibility. By including the jargon “low register” I am seen to have knowledge in the English language beyond the common speaker, creating ethos. This effect is echoed in a later sentence when stating ” the youth’s latest iconographical argot is simply a modern adaptation…”.

 

I do address the opposing view that emojis are ruining the English language, but I make it appear to be a hyperbolic view, held by those of the older generation who are “out of the loop” and are merely echoing the concerns of the generation before them. This reduces the credibility of the opposing view by making it relatable to most audiences who have experienced a battle on the language they used at a younger age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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