SMS Language

It's called "Texting" or "IMing" or more formally "SMS Language" and it refers to the sometimes complex language of abbreviations and acronyms that teenagers and others use to communicate via cell phone Text Messages and online Instant Messages.  Here are some examples: lol = laughing out loud   RUOK? = Are you OK? dis = this   BRB = Be Right Back whr = where   xlnt = excellent ASL? = age, sex, location   gr8 = great MOS = Mom Over Shoulder   any1 = Anyone 5o = Police   9 = Someone's watching me Wikipedia also has a pretty good list of these abbreviations:  SMS AbbreviationsThis is the language of chatrooms, cell phones, instant messaging and digitally connected teenagers everywhere.  It's function is to minimize the number of key strokes and punctuation needed to communicate a message.  It's officially called Short Message Service or SMS Language and here's a link to more information about it's development: Short Message Service There's even some online translators that can help you communicate in this language.  Try one of these translators: transl8tit   &   lingo2word  And for parents and educators who need help understanding this new language try this website for help: NoSlang.com Features a translator, dictionary, a great guide for parents as well as many good links to more information. So what does the title of this technology tip mean?  DY undRst& dis msg? Do you understand this message? More information on this topic: Translating the language of texting, from Canada.com Mobile Phone 'textisms' can boost writing skills, from TheTelegraph.co.uk And please do not text while you are driving! Especially on a motorcycle in India:

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Go to one of the online translators listed above and try translating something to see what you get. TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  To find out more about SMS Language try searching the internet for: SMS Language txt translators textspeak & chatspeak teenspeak