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). In a study of college students' text messaging, my colleague Rich Ling and I found a few more lexical shortenings; yet the grand total of clear abbreviations was only 47 out of 1,473 words, which is hardly overwhelming."
Reaction: I'll admit that, when texting and IMing, I am a major "LOL"er. But I also know that school is not a place for such things. I usually don't even think about using those acronyms when writing a paper but I'll confess to almost putting "LOL" in an e-mail to an adult before. But some kids can't distinguish when it's approriate and not. I am a straight-english texter, meaning I use complete sentences and spell all my words correctly. But there are many kids who hardly ever spell out anything when texting and those are most likely the kids who let those "words" slip into papers and other school related things.
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References:
Baron, N. (n.d.). Educational Leadership:Literacy 2.0:Are Digital Media Changing Language?. Membership, policy, and professional development for educators – ASCD. Retrieved September 1, 2011, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Are-Digital-Media-Changing-Language%C2%A2.aspx
rosecourt12 « newmedialanguage. (n.d.). newmedialanguage. Retrieved September 1, 2011, from http://newmedialanguage.wordpr
I'm like you, I text and IM in full sentences with punctuation and only use a few abbreiations from time to time, but I know they have no place in assignments. It seems to be an idividual problem more than anything. I think most people, especially college students, realize that LOL is okay for social use but not for school and professional use.
ReplyDeleteI do about the same with the texting. I for the most part spell out all of my words but i do get lazy some times and throw in an idk or btw because I don't want to type out all three words but if it to my mother or some other adult I don't use those. LOL though has almost become less of an acronym and has almost moved to being its own word. It allows you to be sarcastic, show that you think something is funny, and make the statement you just said not so mean.
ReplyDeleteI love your picture! Very cute. I aggree that most people know when to use proper language and when it's okay to use text lingo. I also think that people are comming away from using abbreviations in texts with the new types of phones that are available. Most phones now have a full keyboard and the option to auto complete words which allows for the use of proper english even when we want to be lazy.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. I text non-stop throughout the day. Though texting is supposed to made up of acronyms I sometimes just type everything out and rarely use acronyms. When it comes to writing a paper I know what type of language is to be used. There are some kids that might have some trouble but as they get older, if they are taught right, they will realize what language is more appropriate. Good job! :)
ReplyDeleteI agfree with Ana. I do not use many acronyms at all when i text. I like to use commas, period, and semi colons when i use text messaging throughout the day. I believe it helps me in my school work and by making me a better writer.
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