Texting and "Grammar"

Question: What is the effect of texting on the use of correct grammar?

Answer/Quote: “In the age of Facebook posts, emoticons, and tweets, English grammar may appear to be on the road to extinction.

                “ One of the more apparent problems we see in student writing is a carryover of ‘texting language,’ said Leslie Kraft, a ninth-grade English teacher at Pottsville Area High School.

                “Brandon Kessock, a Pottsville Area freshman, said he’d experienced it.  “ ‘Texting affects us a lot,’ he said. ‘I get so used to texting that I mess up a lot of easy words. Instead of what, I type wot.’ ”

Comment: I understand the young man’s point. However, let’s get our terms straight. Spelling is not grammar. Grammar is syntax, i.e., sentence structure, punctuation and usage that is related to sentence structure: parallel structure, active and passive voice, dangling modifiers, nominative and objective case, etc. I don’t normally get on my high horse, but if we’re going to talk about grammar, let’s talk about the effects of texting on grammar. RayS.

Title: “Wats a Teacher 2 do? L Hammering Grammar in the Age of Texting.” Stephen J. Pytak. The Philadelphia Inquirer (Tuesday, March 13, 2012), 82C.