SMS Language

SMS language or textese (also known as txt-speak, txtese, chatspeak, txt, txtspk, txtk, txto, texting language, txt lingo, SMSish, txtslang, or txt talk) is a term for the abbreviations and slang commonly used with mobile phone text messaging, but sometimes used with other Internet-based communication such as email and instant messaging.


Three features of early mobile phone messaging encouraged users to use abbreviations: (a) Text entry was difficult, requiring multiple key presses on a small keypad to generate each letter; (b) Messages were limited to 160 characters, and (c) it made texting faster.

Once it became popular it took on a life of its own and was often used outside of its original context. It became the world's trend to use this language wherever you are. For example "OMG!","OTW","BTW" etc. Every abbreviations have its own meanings such as "ASAP" means as soon as possible. There are many kind of textese you can make your own as well as "C u 2mrw". It is simple and as long as it can read by anyone you text.   

Difference between Singlish and Manglish

      (Source : Reader's Digest)

      

Singapore English refers to varieties of the English language spoken in Singapore, of which there are two main forms – Standard Singapore English (SSE) and Singapore Colloquial English(Singlish). Singapore is a cosmopolitan city with 42% of its population born outside the country. Singaporeans, even those of the same ethnic group, have many different first languages and cultures. The English language is now the most medium form of communication among students from primary school to university. Many families use two or three languages at home, and English is often one of them. In the past, some children received lesser English education than others. As such, the level of fluency in English among residents in Singapore varies

comparably greatly from person to person. There are 3 types of sociolects that has long been used in Singapore are Acrolect, Mesolect and Basilect. Acrolect and Mesolect are simply the same as they were regarded as SSE. While Basilect is considered as Singlish. Some example of Basilects are "You're coming today. Is it ?", "My handwriting not good, lah !", "Wait ah; Hurry lah, I need to go now !".But it's not the same as Malaysian English (known as Manglish). Manglish is a mix of 2 languages of Malay (local language) and English. For example "I sayang you !" but the use of "lah; ah" sometimes being used in Manglish. Manglish is widely being used in society to communicate with each other and often in teaching except for English and Malay lessons.