Sometimes I get really annoyed with my friends when I can’t understand a text message they’ve sent me because of all the abbreviations used. I think it’s safe to assume that I’m not the only one who feels this way. The other day, as I surfed the Internet, I actually came across an article that focused on this particular idea, but it had a very different view than I would have expected.
“Are Digital Media Changing Language” by Naomi Baron featured in an issue of Educational Leadership looks at how new media has changed the way we communicate. She says that kids are occasionally putting acronyms into their papers and regular conversations. There are two points to that, one being that the usage is very limited and two, we use acronyms like ASAP anyway. So, it’s really no big deal to some extent. Baron talks about some of the changes that have occurred in mechanics. For example, the use of apostrophes, or lack thereof, thanks to texting. Kids aren’t worried about spelling anymore. They have spell check, so what’s the issue. The main focus of the article, though, is on how new media has changed attitudes toward communication. Teachers, and people in general, are taking a “whatever” approach to writing. They are more lenient or passive about strictly following grammar rules. Baron also notes the change in control people have over communication. Now, if you don’t want to talk to someone, you can screen your calls or block them from being able to message you through Facebook or instant messaging, among other things. Baron notes that these changes are inevitable and it is up to us on how we except and handle them.
I thought it was kind of strange that the issues you would expect, like text speak in papers and poor writing, would be some of the more prevalent problems coming from new media. I guess if you think about it, the other issues do make sense.
I really like your picture.
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