It seems that teachers have differing opinions on the use of Text language. Some take a totally negative approach, believing it needs to be eradicated, while others seem to embrace the creativity of a younger generation. I believe different situations call for different uses of language, and in a formal written assignment, a student should use standard English. However, perhaps teachers can allow students more creativity and choices in free writing assignments. Would a student feel empowered if he had such a choice? Would his own unique voice come through more clearly? He would definitely have an audience of interested peers even though they may be the only ones included in this special community of writers. What’s the harm in that? In an article in Orlando’s Herald Tribune, reporter Jim Ellis quotes a student who admits she uses IM language in her homework:
I write like that in the rough draft, but I try to catch the mistakes before I turn in the final draft.
Ellis quotes differing points of view from educators. I appreciated the following, from David Warlick, 54, of Raleigh, N.C. who, Ellis writes, sees the young burgeoning band of instant messengers as a phenomenon that should be celebrated:
Teachers should credit their students with inventing a new language that is perfect for communicating in a high-tech world . . . I would encourage teachers to assign writing assignments that allow IM-speak. We need to respect the language to the point that we sometimes allow it. [Another teacher writes] I want to see students produce. I want to get them writing. If they don’t put their own spin on their work, then it’s not theirs anymore.
While kids need a firm grasp on proper English usage in writing and speaking to succeed in the real world, I don’t believe it is harmful for them to embrace a new language that, I believe, most likely won’t show up in college level work.
