Do you think texting helps or hinders a teenager's command of the English langua

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   TheMountainManposted 14 years ago

   Do you think texting helps or hinders a teenager's command of the English language?
   
   I have found that the habits of texting has unfortunately carried over into the real world of school work.  I'm curious if others have had the same experience.

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   bluetiger1520posted 14 years ago

   I think texting can hinder a teenagers command, because they type in codes; but texting can help, because they can express themselves more by typing instead of talking.

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   dabeanerposted 14 years ago

   Hinders.  They learn bad habits of grammar and spelling.
   
   And consider this:  We have a technological elite creating products that dumb down the users of those products.

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   misterspookposted 14 years ago

   It's not that texting actually hinders a teenagers grammar.  In fact, they master their own forms of grammar and communication through texting.  The problem lies with the fact that it hinders their command of "standardized" English.  You know, the stuff that schools and a lot of employers care about.
   
   When dealing with my students, I try to convince them that they need to learn to adapt their writing to their audience.  Texting to a friend is OK.  Texting in a class essay, not so much.
   
   There are literally mountains of books talking about this subject.  Is there a good solution?  Who knows.

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   Epsilon5posted 14 years ago

   I believe that texting hinders command of the language in an instance where the individual does not already possess command of the language. On the other hand, the inverse is only logical: If an individual possesses command of the language, texting can only increase the individual's command of language.
   
   I've spoken with many English teachers in the northeastern United States and they all tell me the same thing: Since email and texting became popular, students who normally write relatively well (when they're writing), turn into students who appear oblivious to standard rules of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and vocabulary when they get in front of the computer screen to type a paper.

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   DAlforposted 14 years ago

   I also believe it can hinder anybody's command of written English. In fact, even the computer does the same way too - or at least for me. I don't exactly remember the last time I wrote using an actual pen and writing and even when I write on the computer and I see a "RED" underline telling me it's the wrong spelling, I USUALLY have no clue - and sometimes have no time to think so I simply right click on the word and choose the appropriate spelling - what the correct spelling actually is.
   
   I doubt it even helps if you know it's going to be damaging to your written English because this was what I had in mind and I always had kept my texting to FULL SPELLINGS no matter how much longer it takes for me to do so. But in time, it hits you when your guard is off and your time is limited and before you know it, you've become a code texter because you NEED to.

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   SimeyCposted 14 years ago

   Hinders definately! I've received several resumes from people using 'web' text instead of real words - they go straight into the garbage can!

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   stricktlydatingposted 14 years ago

   Words and sentences are shortened in SMS messages because there is only a limited number of text charactors for each text - And because you are charged per text message (usually). Also, since there's limited pictures available, it allows us to be a little animated with text in our messages too. At School however teachers won't tolerate the same creativity, and students are aware of this.  More and more teenagers (and Adults) will send an SMS rather than making a phonecall thesedays, so communication is changing but I don't feel it helps or hinders the command of the English Language, or any other language.
   
   If you'd like to see some creative SMS ideas check out my Hub: http://hubpages.com/hub/Romantic-Love-S … es-Phrases

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   WRKennedyposted 14 years ago

   It's better not to compare the two.  Think of texting as a technical language, which has become associated with the other traits of being a teenager.
   
   Consider this:  does the technical language of accounting, engineering, science, politics or religion hinder a professional's command of English?  You might answer "Yes" if you've met a professional who used too much jargon in their writing.
   
   Similarly, if texting is used out of context, e.g. in a formal essay, you might also think that the teenager's command of English has been affected.
   
   I would argue, however, that teenagers are quite capable of learning both texting and formal English as well as learning when each is appropriate.  They just need training and practice.

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