Greetings...

As editor/administrator for several online writing groups, including one for international teen writers, I am often appalled at the poor grasp and use of the English language. Not just grammar, but basic spelling.

Texting on mobiles is to some degree responsible I think, as is the Internet. But surely it begins at home. Without adequate guidance at home, and importantly, in schools, our rich and colourful language is doomed.

There must be a few educators or ex-educators out there: what are your thoughts?

Cheers, John

I wonder if correct grammer will soon be a thing of the past. And what about new names, well same names with different spellings. Today I became a great-grannie for the second time, child's name is Izac, I wonder what's so terrible about Isaac? I'm told, as you say, that texting is the reason for shortcuts. I think I have too many commas in this piece! Regards all.

We can all relax a little. Not only has NZQA apparently come out and reminded us that only 'normal' abbreviations (like & for and) are acceptable, but I don't know a single teacher who has told their students to use text language. Quite the opposite. I think mine were thoroughly turned off the idea when I told them that most of those marking the exams are about my age and don't understand the lingo. The idea of having anything at all in common with the 50+ brigade was quite enough!

Misty

Definitely texting a lot can affect your own spelling of words as it becomes a habit, and like all habits it can take a strong hold. I 1st got a mobile 3 years ago and it was not long before I took shortcuts in spelling the words as it was such a long winded affair writing full messages. After some time of doing this I started having to think about the real spelling of certain words.
With new names Pixie, I think that a lot of it is exercising the freedom to choose...in anything at all that is...so name spelling and even making up names comes into it. In other words we want to be as individual as we can, be our own boss and to heck with rules, just as long as we are not breaking any official laws.

yes i too take shortcuts in texting,one does to try fit in all you need to say,and by the shortcuts you can fit in more.
yes the real language is by far better,but everyone is seeing and hearing different ways of spelling things these days,so have to be open minded.
i am one of the few that will still write a letter,as that too seems to be a lost art.

I too am concerned text language is acceptable for exams...first thought is - I wonder how long down the track will it be that there will be debate about returning to English without the text shortcuts.

It is not only schoolchildren using text. I have a sixty year old sister who sends me e- mails with words like u are and 4 sale. I get really infuriated and write back telling her to stop murdering the English language. If you tap into MY SPACE and see how American teenagers talk to each other you will understand where I am coming from. My Mother washed my mouth out with soap when I was young because I was using foul language. Imagine that happening now. I am trying to grow old gracefully but find it hard to contain my anger sometimes, especially when I hear young people swearing.

yes i cant think why we have to have the swearing,with some people it is every 3rd word ,im sure they dont realise how many times they swear in a conversation.the younger generation are real bad at this.

We can be controlled about our texting language as opposed to our real language. typing messages on the Net is good practice for us to be controlled about it, I think.
the trouble with the younger ones is that they have their minds on other things, and don't give attention to retaining, or even learning spelling skills.

today i saw a school student with the earphones on and texting ,no way was he looking where he was walking.blimey i dont know how they do it.

Also, where the music they listen to through earphones is concerned Pearly...the local rag boy walks around doubled over, listening intently, ignoring all the no paper signs on the boxes, much to peoples annoyance.

Concerning swearing ....I worked for some years in a Boarding school ,and was shocked at the constant use of swear words -not in my hearing usually ,but if the girls did let fly ,I had a few comments to make them think ..."Hey - You're blistering the paint !" or "Do you not have any self-respect?" They always looked sheepish and apologised to me .I feel conversation with teens is a two way thing -always listening to what they are saying ,then they will listen in return ...We calmly discussed sometimes the importance of good speech if they wanted a professional career ,and they knew that I was on their side always...
Emelle