The linguistics of texting

Computer-mediated communication is often said to be the "death of language". Is it really? 

Listen to this TED talk by John McWhorter, a famous sociolinguist, about texting and the "death of language". Answer the questions that follow in 1-2 sentences per question. 

1.       Summarize McWhorter’s argument in an “elevator speech”, or a couple of sentences that you could use to explain his point to someone during an elevator ride.

2.       How does McWhorter’s talk reinforce the difference between prescriptive and descriptive linguistics? What about competence and performance?

3.       What does McWhorter mean by “bleed”? Think of an example of when you might experience “bleed” in your everyday life.

4.       What other technology besides texting has been a catalyst for language change? Give a concrete example and explain how it caused language change.

5.       How is “LOL” a particle? What else in texting (or other CMC) language acts like this particle?

6.       Do you buy McWhorter’s argument?  Why or why not?