Future of Literacy in the Txt Mssgng Wrld

ryanmac · #1 (**permalink**) 1st February 2007, 01:23 AM

An on going research provides that IM and Text Messaging language can be correlated to weight of importance of the topic being discussed or that of the character of person one is communicating with.

It has early been known of that hardcore grammarians have been quite wary about the future of reading and literacy for the young ones who are very well fond of text messaging and IM communication. But the research indicates that the youth can very well switch from IM abbreviation language to formal English.

Even when they are communicating in IM mode, they become more rhetorical when subjects become more serious.

astros99 · #2 (**permalink**) 4th February 2007, 12:35 PM

When I'm talking on an instant messenger, I don't always type professionaly. Especially, if I'm not talking to a professional person. When I'm talking to just a friend, I type however I want to. I have no problem adjusting to formal English when I am talking to a professional, or when it is a serious subject. That research seems pretty accurate to me.

rowenahere · #3 (**permalink**) 11th March 2007, 01:35 PM

I strongly agree with this. English literacy should be implemented not only in IM conversations but also in SMS conversations. An abbreviated or shortened grammar used in a message is not advantageous for people especially young ones, since it will only cause them a poor construction of an English sentence. People might find it convenient to create abbreviated or shortened grammar when composing messages in IM or SMS, but when the proper time comes that they need to compose correspondences or formal letters; it will not be helpful for them.

astros99 · #4 (**permalink**) 14th March 2007, 10:26 PM

Well, in SMS messages you can only have a certain number of characters. Therefore, I think its OK to use some texting language when you text, only if you are trying to fit more words in. But yes, if it becomes a habit then soon the persons grammar will get alot worse.

mini_0 · #5 (**permalink**) 29th March 2007, 07:35 AM

The results revealed that retrieving and, in particular, sending text messages had a detrimental effect on a number of safety critical driving measures. When text messaging, drivers’ ability to maintain their lateral position on the road and to detect and respond appropriately to traffic signs was significantly reduced. In addition, drivers spent up to 400 percent more time with their eyes off the road when text messaging, than when not text messaging. While there was some evidence that drivers attempted to compensate for being distracted by increasing their following distance when following a lead vehicle, drivers did not reduce their speed while distracted.