Teachers are beginning to see the use of, what some call, ‘Cyber language/Internet English’ as part of formal written English. Language constantly develops and changes. Texting and messaging is a type of literacy that can be taken advantage of to engage students in writing.
In the past decade, teachers have complained that papers are written with shortened words, abbreviations, and symbols. Is this becoming part of today’s norm? Are students no longer noticing Instant Messages as improper language use because they are accustomed to using it on a daily basis?
In a survey of students and instructors at Lane Community College, Oregon, it was thought that text messaging would have a negative impact on students’ writing and literacy. When studies were conducted, a different story emerged. A second study found that there was improvement in the ability to spell after exposure to textisms. A third study found that students with specific language impairments sent less text messages suggesting that for one to text, better reading skills were needed. The three studies did not support the theory that texting was harmful to literacy.
Presently, educators are seeing a comfort level with a student’s writing since the use of Instant Messaging. Students find it easier to get words on a page/screen. Today, it appears that through messaging and email, a new generation of writers is emerging. This new generation is writing more than previous generations when the telephone was just that and the mailman delivered written letters.
Students are editing and revising more then they have in the past. Teens are actually beginning to read over messages to make sure that what they send is what they mean.
Today’s educators can use texting and IM as a learning tool. When students are writing drafts of a topic, spelling and punctuation are of less importance than the content of the writing. Thoughts and ideas are what are put into a draft. When revising and editing are expected, then the switch to formal writing is needed.
To prevent students from having trouble seeing the distinction between formal and informal writing, they need taught to understand what constitutes correct language skills and the different types of writing that are appropriate for use. Once students are made aware of what is acceptable and what is not, they can make the necessary adjustment.
Instant Messaging and texting is important to today’s students; so, it is up to the educator or the education system to adapt language and writing skills into today’s current methods of communication. Emphasizing the concept of audience and appropriate setting affects the way a person writes. When students understand when and where it is appropriate to use certain types of language, then texting and IM will build positive student-teacher relationships. Our evolving language is never ending. Maybe some day in the near future we may be teaching ‘Cyber Language/Internet English’ as a legitimate form of language.
