Changes in English Language and Grammar / New Vocabulary Words

The New English Language Words and Grammar

With each new form of technology, new vocabulary words are added to the dictionary and others become archaic. The Internet and now, most recently, the cell phone and text messaging, added a new element to this change in language. In addition to adding new words and expressions, texting language (SMS) whittles down words ("OMG") to their basics. It is no wonder that texters, especially the younger ones, do not use full sentences, capitals, grammar or complete words. According to a study by Experian (as cited in Cocotas) conducted last year (which means that numbers are even higher at this point), Americans between the ages of 18 to 24 send on average almost ten times as many texts as Americans over 25 to 34, or 2,022 texts every month or 67 a day and receive another 1,831. Pew found that the median number of texts teens sent was 60 per day. Such major changes in language usage has created a controversy between linguists who believe and do not believe texting is lowering the quality of the written language. Studies, such as those by Sundar and Cingel and Shazia Aziz et al. conclude with similar dichotomous results, but more recent studies are finding that texting is not as much a danger as expected by some..

Concerned about the change from full words to "techspeak," with shortcuts, homophones, omissions of nonessential letters and initials, for quickly and efficiently composing text messages, Sundar and Cingel hypothesized that such switching between techspeak and normal rules of grammar may lower written ability. In their study, 228 students completed surveys on their texting habits, such as how many texts they send and receive daily, and their opinion on the importance of texting. In addition, the participants were asked to number the adaptations in their previous three sent and received text messages. All participants took a grammar test, which was used as data of grammatical ability. According to Sundar and Cingel, not only did frequent text messages negatively predict test results, controlling for age and grade, but both sending and receiving text adaptations were associated with how poorly participants performed on the test.

Since Sundar and Cingal conducted their study, they have been criticized for not correctly defining grammar, using a slapdash grammar test and incorrectly equating the results of the grammar test on writing ability. Increasingly, more recent studies are finding that texting does not hinder English and may even enhance it. Aziz et al. studied the impact of SMS on the formal writing of university students and, if this impact did exist, its strength of impact on the spelling and punctuation students use in their writing. The authors also attempted to investigate whether text messaging is to be blamed for errors or other factors that should be considered.

The authors, Aziz et al., surveyed learners and educators and looked at samples of the their English written work for SMS features. Contrary to the expectation, they found no significant evidence for these features in the school work. Apparently, these writers are context conscious and able to switch from one form of the language to another--informal to formal. In addition, it more often seems to be the case that using the wrong punctuation marks and word usage may be lack of necessary training, carelessness and need for more feedback from instructors. Problems such as punctuation also occur without the usage of extensive texting. Aziz et al also concluded that Sundar and Cingel's study conducted with younger participants may yield different results not because of the degree of texting but lack of grammatical knowledge.

Works Cited

Aziz, Shazia, Maria Shamim, Muhammad Faisal Aziz and Priya Avais, "The Impact of Texting/SMS Language on Academic Writing of Students- What do we need to panic about? Elixir Linguistics and Translation 55(2013), 12884-12890.

Cocotas, Alex. "Chart of the Day: Kids Send a Mind-Boggling Number of Texts Every Month."

Sundar, S.S. and Cingel, D.P. "Texting, techspeak, and tweens: The relationship between text messaging and English grammar skills." New Media & Society 14.8, 1304-1320.