Should slang spelling be accepted as a viable form of communication?
Proper spelling and grammar is necessary (written and spoken English) if you want to demonstrate to your peers that you are intelligent and well educated. Too many people are making excuses for their faulty language skills instead of accepting responsibility to correct them. As an educator at a university, I have had the privilege of reviewing student reports and theses for design projects and have come across errors that should never be made at this level (just because your major is not English does not exempt you from poor language skills). It becomes disruptive to have to read through errors such as misspelled words, typographical errors, misused words, sentence fragments, etc. And even if one is not in a field where report writing is mandatory, poor spelling and grammar skills can still hold you back; a simple document such as a resume and cover letter surely will not impress an employer if it is filled with errors. Students really need to work at using proper spelling and grammar.
I think it is horrendous that slang spelling be accepted as opposed to traditional style. It seems that nowadays people that truly have an apathy for learning and discipline can create a safety-net of sorts in order to mask the fact that they have a spelling handicap. I make no joke of the fact that I lack skills in arithmetic, motor, and in many other areas. In fact, I am happy to admit my weaknesses in these areas in hopes of learning to better myself rather than hide under socially (and impersonal) acceptable ruin of the English language. And as for spell check, spell check can help you a little. But nothing beats proof reading.
I firmly believe that the words should not be changed in any way. I pride myself in my spelling abilities – I was a Spelling Bee Champion as a child. Many people have difficulties with spelling, but I believe that, in some cases, it is due to short cuts, and also at times, to laziness. Text messages have now become a new kind of language, and it`s fine for sending off a quick note to another person, but there is no excuse for that same kind of language to become acceptable in University papers or theses. It`s almost similar to High School athletes who are not good at their homework, or who are completely illiterate, yet they coast through the year with the help of teachers just giving them a passing grade because of their astounding abilities on the playing field, so that they can receive scholarships down the line and help their future careers in professional sports. This is the kind of message that we are sending out to children today and then we seemed surprised when they do not exc
If we let slang be accepted as a viable form of communication, we will all have to become illiterate in order to read anything. One thing that I have noticed over the last few years is when you are reading a novel or newspaper, you come across spelling mistakes because the novel or paper has been spell checked but not edited. The word might exist, but it is not the correct word in that context. I believe we need to continue to teach our children the correct way to spell, and the correct usage of words. There need to be some rules. Letting children write without correcting their mistakes might help their creativity, but hinder them down the road when they are trying to get a job, or when they are trying to continue their education at an establishment that does not condone illiteracy.
The whole issue is whether you can understand what you are trying to achieve. While it is somewhat acceptable in the electronic world to use short forms to expedite communications in that medium, it is not acceptable in the “real world” so to speak. I believe that the constant use of the “short form” medium leads to short form thinking which over the longer term will only lead to the downfall of critical thinking. It is critical thinking that leads to the discovery of new scientific discoveries; new artistic advances; developments in literature etc. Failure to create distinct coherent thoughts will eventually lead to a loss of structure in society that while in the beginning may seem benign, but in the long run will only help its demise. Read your history – and see the issues of education and critical thought and the impact on the various societies prior to ours. If you really understand the impact this discussion becomes moot.
