I understand that language is fluid and as much as we would like to pin it down to just exactly what is documented in the Oxford Dictionary–that is not the way our language works. There are always changes and adjustments and new words and slang being added–but I cannot help but wonder if the internet, specifically e-mail and instant messaging (not to mention “texting”) isn’t doing some serious damage to my children’s writing, grammar and spelling skills?
Sure, my kids are fast typists or great at “keyboarding” as it is now called–but they are NOT writing in full sentences here! It is full of abbreviations, acronym, and shortcuts and misspellings are not only tolerated but encouraged. No capitals or correct punctuation are welcome either. I feel a bit like some stodgy old English teacher, but it drives me crazy! I know full well that it is not just the younger generation that is succumbing to a grammar and punctuation-free communication style too, I get e-mails and other online documents from adults, peers, and colleagues who are LOL-ing all over the place.
What I am worrying about is whether or not my kids will know that the world “I” really needs to be capitalized or the difference between a period and a question mark? Will they know how to compose a paragraph (or two or three) or will they only be able to write in brief sentences full of shortcuts since they are used to hitting “send” or “enter” after every single phrase or statement?
I realize that just because I do not like it, does not mean that I have any say or influence on the means of mass communication at all–but I do worry that my kids’ writing, grammar and spelling skills are going to be sacrificed to modern communication.
Also: Doing Business with Instant Message
the Education Blog
the Computing Blog