TeachingEnglish
Texting speak
Submitted by Duncan M on 18 March, 2009 - 12:00
SMS and text based messaging is changing the way we communicate and the way some words are spelled. Should we be teaching ‘text speak' in class?
If you would like to tackle the theme of text messaging with your students you will find a classroom activity based around the theme here:
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/try/activities/text-lingo
And a complete lesson plan here:
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/essential-uk/textin...
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Comments
My direct answer would be 'No,' as I don't don't think there is an essential need for it to be taught as an independent item before any other more important skill (such as using a telefone, writing e-mails, etc), on any level.
Additionally, the modifications in spelling and syntax in text messages are mostly used in informal contexts and tend to vary greatly with so many variables that there is no given or "correct" variety of text speak.
On the other hand, with its specific challenges, like the usual 160 character limit, it lends itself nicely to different games and activities as an interesting and stimulating variation.
In any case, I wouldn't go anywhere beyond doing a couple of activities in a lesson to allow students analyse a few examples and try it out.
I entirely agree with Marian, so much so that I wonder what kind of text speak would be taught in a EFL class if it does not appear in the syllabus?!? Would it be left to each individual teacher to go hunting on the net? What about the validity and pertinence of such material to be part of a regular course where classes are time limited and students aplenty?
I also subscribe to the idea of it becoming part of games or leisure activities, but first and foremost, students have to learn how to produce a text and then later they can toy with it at their own pace.
Mirela Ramacciotti
I already teach my students how to use text message language. Language is constantly changing and being updated is not only important, but also functional. Whenever the student decides to live or study abroad, or make friends with foreigners etc. , the text message language will be extremely relevant. I'm a technology enthusiast and I see all the possibilities and opportunities it can bring to a person's life.
Cheers,
Carla D'Elia - English Teacher
Nik Peachey | Learning Technology Consultant, Writer, Trainer
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Niranga Abeyakoon
Dear all,
When you send a text message, the short forms and the abrriviations and symbols used to convey the message utterly depends on the writer. So a teacher can not teach a common format for the students. And if you introduce text speaking to beginners in learning English, they will try to use the texting rather learning the correct form of words. Therefore, text speaking has a considerable effect on spelling and pronunciation of words. A student who is an addict to text speaking, will not be able to spell and pronounce words correctly and this will definitely have a negative effect on exams (IELTS) where incorrect spelling is severely penalised.
As a teacher, once I was confronted with the question which spelling was correct (Text or formal) and that learner had to learn the ways of correct spelling and he had to change his ways of spelling words. He took a bit of time to get adjusted to the formal way.
In my view, a teacher should not promote text speaking as it has a long term negative effect on learners.
Best regards,
Niranga - ELT teacher
Hi,
I think there is no problem to teach this in the classroom, but maybe you should feel the objective of the students and also what they want, in this way, I think you can feel free to do what you think is or isn't important for them. I'm used to doing this in my classes, when someone asks me something, I teach it.
Dear all,
According to my view, in the ELT classes we should not be teaching 'Text speak', sending text messages has already affected the written script and if we teach text speak then we promote slang or abbreviated version of communication in written script.
I would suggest that the decision of how a text message is developed lies to the user and it should not disrupt students written communication.
RJ
Dear all,
Text messages can be a useful method or tool for increasing students' knowledge of English. Though people are usually induced to use concise writing to lessen message expenses but correct concise writing is different from using non - standard language. Therefore, except in emergencies, we better follow the grammar rules and take advantages of every new fascinating tool e.g. text messages to promote students and our English knowledge.
Best wishes
By the way Happy New year to all Iranian teachers.
Ali asghar Mazinanian
Shahrood, Iran
I voted 'No' because I think there are so many more important skills. But I guess I can see where if someone is really trying to prepare for immersion in English culture, they might need/want to know what 'lol' 'brb' 'ttyl' mean. I still feel it's a lower priority, but I see your point as this is becoming more commonplace even in business where it is used in instant-messaging communication all the time.