How Does Texting Affect Literacy

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Texting is the use of abbreviations and other language techniques to create text and instant messages. This shorthand communication method does not always follow the standard rules of English grammar, as well as normal word spelling. Texting is now referred to by some its own, new language. Ever since instant messaging became a world wide trend, teachers and parents all over the world blame texting for two things; the corruption of language, as well as decomposition of spelling skills for young kids. In general, texting has created a very strong and negative response from educators and parents. However, does texting really affect the literacy of teens and children? MXit is a trending mobile instant messaging service, that has over 10 million registered users, most users happen to be under the age of 18, who send on average 250 million messages every day.1 Even though teens and children are writing more than ever, most people don’t consider …show more content…

However some language teachers are refusing the ban mobile phones, because they too see that while texting can have its negative side, its benefits over rule this. Some teachers are now recognizing texting as :a new form of communication is taking charge of the linguistic sphere.” While some teachers are accepting this form of language they do admit it is going to create more challenges for teaching and learning as well as new opportunities.” 2 When textisms appear in formal assignments, it provides an opportunity to bring up this issue in a classroom setting to allow students to voice their opinion on this growing controversy. There is nothing new about the roles teachers play in correcting mistakes as well as preventing them in formal writing, however it has now been proven that texting and instant messaging cannot be at fault for these specific