An on the Fence Letter to the Editor (Sarah E. Needleman)
I scoff at the thoughtlessness and rashness of the recruiters and this generation presented in the article (Thx for the IView! I Wud ♥︎ to Work 4 U!! ;)). With technology, our product of innovation, being embraced and accepted into our every day lives, it’s not surprising to see this ‘text speak’ happening through technology means. I highly agree with David Holtzman where, “It’s just natural for them.” They are born into a greatly technology influenced generation, as one can obviously observe that through this medium, language has evolved. Older generations may be scared of this evolution.
In my opinion, speaking online is different than having an interview that’s face to face. Despite not being able to talk professionally online, they may be able to code switch based on the situation they are placed in reality. This could be a consequence of being born into a tech-savvy generation; that the only language that they would perhaps know online is this ‘text speak’ - being their commonly used language associated to technology. Even so, would you like to be judged by something that can be improved over time?
Instead of jumping to conclusions - thinking that this new millennial recruit/interviewee, is being unprofessional when they use shorthand in messages; recruiters should see that as a chance to assist the individual for future interviews. Inform them that that’s not what these particular companies are looking for, but they should keep this in mind for next time.
Nonetheless, I do understand that to the recruiters - who are of older generations - text speak would be a sign of unprofessionalism based on what they believe is professional to them (which is affected by culture, sociolect, and idiolect), consequently leading to their re-evaluation of the individual. However, they should consider the meaning behind these messages and consider that this is the new generation. No matter how disappointing it may seem.
Erika Serrano 19’
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
In my opinion, speaking online is different than having an interview that’s face to face. Despite not being able to talk professionally online, they may be able to code switch based on the situation they are placed in reality. This could be a consequence of being born into a tech-savvy generation; that the only language that they would perhaps know online is this ‘text speak’ - being their commonly used language associated to technology. Even so, would you like to be judged by something that can be improved over time?
Instead of jumping to conclusions - thinking that this new millennial recruit/interviewee, is being unprofessional when they use shorthand in messages; recruiters should see that as a chance to assist the individual for future interviews. Inform them that that’s not what these particular companies are looking for, but they should keep this in mind for next time.
Nonetheless, I do understand that to the recruiters - who are of older generations - text speak would be a sign of unprofessionalism based on what they believe is professional to them (which is affected by culture, sociolect, and idiolect), consequently leading to their re-evaluation of the individual. However, they should consider the meaning behind these messages and consider that this is the new generation. No matter how disappointing it may seem.
Erika Serrano 19’
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
This blog post was well written as (like Milly's) it did not simply say that the other side was wrong, but chose to take it from an understanding point of view so that the argument could be more effective as well as formal. However, with going into the world of job interviews when discussing this new form of language, although this is a good example, going too much into it instead of the issue at hand (that is the evolution of language and whether it should be frowned or smiled upon) might have drawn the focus away from the argument at hand. Nonetheless, the response was very well organized with great structure in terms of giving an intro, tackling the issue, and then concluding with suggestions for how to handle this change of language in a more accepting manner. The only question I have for you is what your prediction of the language will be in the future judging by the state it is in now? For the better or for the worse?
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