Why texting rules

"... it uses a telephone to avoid what many people dread about ... telephones — having to have a real, unscripted conversation."

So writes Louis Menand in a refreshing review in the latest New Yorker of professional linguist David Crystal's new book (above) about texting and its (dis)contents.

Other highlights from Menand's piece:

"'People were playing with language in this way long before mobile phones were invented,' he [Crystal] points out. 'Texting may be using a new technology, but its linguistic processes are centuries old.'"

"The obvious appeal of texting is its speed.... To delay is to disrespect. In fact, delay is the only disrepect."

"There is no socially accepted excuse for being without your cell phone. 'I didn't have my phone': that just does not sound believable. Either you are lying or you are depressed or you have something to hide."

"People don't like to have to perform the amount of self-presentation that is required in a personal encounter. They don't want to deal with the facial expressions, the body language, the obligation to be witty or interesting. They just want to say 'flt is lte.'"

"There is no penalty for abruptness in a text message. Shortest said, best said. The faster the other person can reply, the less you need to say."

"I don't think I have ever come across a topic which has attracted more adult antagonism," said Crystal of texting.