Teen Times: In a recent Teen Times an extremely witty yet slightly patronising Sharon Quigley expressed her disgust at how we the "public" choose to express ourselves through writing "nowadays".

First, I would like to pose the question - is this girl really who she says she is? Because in my opinion she is taking the tone not of a 17-year-old Irish teenager, but more of an ageing author enjoying a rather comfortable retirement, oblivious to the fact that times are changing and that new means of communications are being developed, such as "text messaging".

I see myself as an example of a young person who believes in the preservation of this beautiful language, who is well able to form unabbreviated sentences, but has no problem in using "txt speak" when it is appropriate to do so - ie, when sending a text message.

Sharon may not have found an opportunity in between hockey practices to take a step into Daddy's office and have a glance at her phone bill, but surprisingly enough, these "text messages" actually cost money to send. The fact that the sending of 160 characters can cost up to 13 cent may not be a problem for Sharon, or Daddy for that matter, but the rest of us have to find ways to fit whatever message we need to convey into this rather ungenerous quota of characters.

I could input a perfectly structured, flawlessly spelt work of art into my phone every time I want to confirm a meeting place with a friend, but not only am I not in the slightest bit bothered to do so, I would also have to pay double or even treble the cost.

I do agree, however, that it is not necessary to use "txt speak" in e-mails or over the internet. The only reason I do not do this is because I find it quicker to type using unabbreviated English. Many people I know carry "txt speak" into other mediums but this is because they find it faster and/or easier to do so. I cannot imagine any of them addressing a job application with "2 whom it may concern" at the top.

In short, I don't see any problems with the use of this form of English, once it is in the appropriate context. I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine the English language spiralling into some sort of abyss of abbreviation as Sharon seems concerned about, as the majority of us "public" have the brain power to use the most appropriate kind of language in the correct situations.

Over the years we have adapted to new technologies and, thank God, to the surprise of Sharon we still do remember the meaning of the word "book". The rest of us have found ways to adapt to this, whether it be through finding ways of saving money or otherwise. Maybe Sharon, there will be a day when this will happen "2 u 2".

Paddy Thunder (18) is a student at Belvedere College

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