Quote:
Although journalists tend to sensationalize the linguistic strangeness of "online lingo," quantitative analyses of instant messaging conversations and text messages reveal that abbreviations, acronyms, and even misspellings are comparatively infrequent, at least among college-age students. For example, in a study I did of college students' instant messaging conversations, out of 11,718 words, only 31 were "online lingo" abbreviations, and only 90 were acronyms (of which 76 were LOL).
Response:
As a student, I started texting when I was in the 7th grade and have been ever since. When teachers say that text messaging is being put on our papers that are being turned in, I disagree. When I say I disagree I mean that when you get older, you understand what is allowed on an essay and what isn't. I'll admit, as a young kid I used the "online lingo" a lot but as you get older it gets really annoying. The only acronyms I use anymore are "lol" and "btw". I know this isn't the same for everyone but I do know a lot of people personally who hate to read text messages that have all of the abbreviations in them because it becomes difficult to read. I'm glad that there was a study done on college-age students because it really does show that students do not use the lingo as much as teachers and adults think.
Reference:
Brown, N. S. (n.d.). Educational Leadership:Literacy 2.0:Are Digital Media Changing Language?. Membership, policy, and professional development for educators – ASCD. Retrieved September 4, 2011, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Are-Digital-Media-Changing-Language%C2%A2.aspx
Related Resource:
In the beginning of this video the comedian is commenting on how he likes texting but he hates when people talk how they text. I also find this very annoying and pointless. It only takes a couple more seconds to say the words out loud. It also could hurt your chances of getting a job later on if you would happen to slip a "lingo" word in the conversation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOXZhlbvcnE
Reference:
ComedyTimeDir. (n.d.). Text Talk - Comedy Time - YouTube . YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved September 4, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOXZhlbvcnE
I aggree that not everyone uses texting lingo. Student's usually tend to know the difference between whats appropriate scholasticly and what is appropriate between friends. This is an important distinction and I think it is our job as teachers not to condem these students but use incidents like putting "btw" in a paper as a learning oppourtunity.
ReplyDeleteI like that you pointed this out. Older adults group all "kids" together and think we all put text lingo into everything we do and that's just not the case for most college kids. I usually text in straight english!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Students usually know what language is appropriate for teachers and adults. Yeah its fun when your young but as you grow up you realize when acronyms are to be used and how for each situation. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI also can't stand to read a text message that is nothing but acronyms and abbreviations. Students clearly know when its appropriate to use "online lingo" and until we can't determine when to use it correctly i don't think there is an issue with it. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you to an extent. However, I feel that it becomes an issue when some students fail to recognize the difference between appropriate times for the lingo and times when proper grammar is necessary. I agree with your comment about students at the college level, because I do think that grammar tends to become more important to students as they grow older.
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