“Gnr8n Txt”Lets lts Fingers Do The Talking (NAPSA)—“BRB,” “GR8 CngU” First, parents will need to do their homework in order to learn the languages of Gnr8n Txt. Luck- and “G2G”are just a few examples of a new dialect being adopted by today’s tech-savvy teens. Dubbed by technology insiders as “Gnr8n Txt,” teens age, 12 to 18, have launched a language phenomenon knownastexting. ily there are “Cheat Sheets”: WU? 1. What’s up? 2. Used loosely for information regarding a person’s whereabouts, and to find out what someone’s plans are. Using a combination of letters and numbersto shorten popular phrasesis the core of the texting idiom. For example, the standard code for an emergency, combined with a single letter abbreviation for parents, becomes P911. To those well-versed in the art of texting, this means “my parents are in the room.” New phrases are continually developed and shared with others. When used on wireless two-way text messaging devices, some consider texting the new, more inconspicuous way of sharing the latest news and gossip. The progressive growth of a generation content with communicating in text, is not surprising. Taking a cue from their BabyBoomer parents’ constant need for immediate communication through cell phones and e-mail, teens use two-way texting as a very simple, but carefully planned, means of exchange. The recent introduction and popularity of low-cost text messaging devices has fueled the spread of texting and youthsfrequently use the jargon as a wayofsocially relating to their peer groups. Although the language may have some English teachers tossing and turning at night, the dialogue actually requires strong linguistic interpre- tation skills as users stretch their imaginations in the quest for new ways of speaking. Like the origin of many fashion and music trendsin the U.S., tex- ting originated as a social trend in Europe. Teens in these countries use texting in the same way many Americansdo, citing a need for connectivity as their primary use. The Mobile Data Association (MDA) reported that 560 million transmissions were sent in August, 2000 using short messag- ing service (SMS) technology in the U.K. alone. Experts predict this number to grow to 15 billion messages per month in 2001. The United States is expected to fol- low the movement at the same pace, with International Data Corporation (IDC) research esti- mating monthly texting instances in the U.S. to soar to 68 million by 2008. Text devices, such as Motorola’s popular Talkabout Model T900, actually keep teens organized and parents sane when trying to keep up with their youngster’s schedule. Used to check on homework assignments or share the latest gossip, the messages are immediate and can be kept discreet with the product’s vibrating alert fea- ture. Parents can not only use these products to quickly transmit information such as curfews and schedule changes, but they also know and expect that their teens will reply with the same immediacy. Both parents and teens can NM.1. Nothing much. 2. Potential response to WU? Could mean yourteen is studying, hang- ing out with friends, or literally doing nothing. 143. 1. I Love You. 2. The numbers represent the amountoflet- ters in the words “I Love You.” Count the number of letters in your loved ones name andreplace the 3 with that number. CULSR.1. See you later. BRB. 1. Be right back. J/K. 1. Just kidding. 2. When your texting partner is joking around, you'll know. 3. “I crashed your car.” J/K. G2G.1. Got to go. 2. In a rush, yourteen can text no longer. BB.1. Bye-bye. LTRT. 1. Let’s talk real time. 2. If you need to have a lengthy discussion, this reply would prompta potential telephonecall. TTEN.1. Ta ta for now. 2. Temporary closing, meaning your tex- ting partner will be back soon. LOL. 1. Laugh out loud. 2. Surprise, someone thinks what you wrote was funny. TTYL.1. Talk to youlater. 411. 1. I need information. You can also use icons to send symbolic messagesincluding: :) 1. Smiley face :( 1. Frown ;) 1. Wink, used for joking around benefit from the use of texting For more information about the wireless technology that is keeping nally priced. visit www.motorola.com/t900. devices like the T900, which is packaged in hip colors and nomi- the texting generation connected,
