Text messaging is just the most recent focus of people's anxiety; what people are really worried about is a new generation gaining control of what they see as their language.

Although many texters enjoy breaking linguistic rules, they also know they need to be understood.

Spellings are made by people. Dictionaries - eventually - reflect popular choices.

I believe that any form of writing exercise is good for you. I also believe that any form of tuition which helps develop your awareness of the different properties, styles, and effects of writing is good for you. It helps you become a better reader, more sensitive to nuance, and a better writer, more sensitive to audience. Texting language is no different from other innovative forms of written expression that have emerged in the past. It is a type of language whose communicative strengths and weaknesses need to be appreciated.

At any one time language is a kaleidoscope of styles, genres and dialects.

You don't talk to a linguist without having what you say taken down and used in evidence against you at some point in time.

Swearing makes an excellent relief mechanism