do you think "text language" is harming our children's english grammar & spelling?

Answer 1

That depends on whether the child can see the difference between text speak and correct usage of English grammar and spelling. Children should be intelligent enough to use correct English spelling and grammar in the appropriate context, but to use text speak when writing an essay or in an examination is just stupid.

I am a university student. To save time and money, i use text speak but that doesnt mean to say that i dont know how to write or spell correctly. Text speak is a way of saving time, whilst still maintaning the true meaning of the text message and getting the point across in the least amount of letters possible.

Again, i would stress that it depends on the intelligence of the child and the parents who should take control over their child's learning ability.

Answer 2

Only if a parent permits it. Just like t.v., you should limit the time they spend on the computer to about an hour or two a day. A parent shouldn't provide their child with a cell phone...the kid should wait until they get a job to be able to have a cell phone. Get them to pick up a book or better yet, both of you go to the library pick out a book together, read it and then discuss it. When I was a kid....every week....I had to learn a new word (it got picked from the dictionary), and by the end of the week......I had to know how to spell it, what it meant and use it in a sentence. I am grateful to this day that I had to do that.

Answer 3

Yes because they are being told more and more that spelling and grammar are not necessary to communicate . Why do we need good English or any other language for that matter?Letter writing will not be a feature of future generations. It will all be electronic and for speed more and more abbreviations wiil be brought into use . The need for good English is declining. Just imagine,a communication from your bank manager. Instead of Dear Sir or Dear Mr.. XYZ ,it could be Hi M8 ru ok.or whatever.. It is to be deplored but that is the way that things are going.

Answer 4

Yes, I certainly do think so. There was a report a few months ago that some students have used text language in some of their reports.
Have you seen that commercial where the girl is talking to her mother about the numerous text messaging? And the daughter is talking to her mother in text talk? Yes, I know this example is only a commercial but it is a great example of what I am talking about. It is a problem and something needs to be done about is

Answer 5

Yes. I recently did a placement at a school and some of the children were handing in work written in text language.

Answer 6

I read it somewhere that scientists found that children who text a lot are better at spelling than children who don't text (very hard to find kids that don't text!)

But when most children come out of school not being able to spell I think we should look at schools more than mobile phones

Answer 7

Nope..
Children have parents, I assume.
Parents have the responsibility for saving their children from bad evil mischievous and harmful English grammar and spelling.
That's what parents are for...

Take care of your children..

Bye

Answer 8

I shouldn't, as most will be bright enough to know the difference between written English and text speak. However, I had to pick up my daughter the other day. She had written an essay really well and then in the middle had spelt 'you' as 'u'. Good thing I read it through. lol

Answer 9

Absolutely! I was just ranting about this.

I teach high school Spanish and I am so frustrated with seeing things written out in text lingo. I have students who write "wat" instead of "what", "wit" instead of "with", "bcoz" instead of "because", "thnx" rather than "thanks", "dis" as a substitute for "this". You get the idea. It has become a gargantuan pet peeve of mine. When it all started, several years ago, I didn't see the harm. However, I am beginning to see that it has truly become a problem.

In response to one of the previous posters, *yes*, you are correct about many students using text lingo in their reports as well as homework. Although I teach Spanish, I make it clear if text lingo is used, I will take off points.

Answer 10

Yes