Let’s talk

So I was tagged in a blog by Maria and she asked for my opinion regarding the sometimes touchy subject of text talk.  Well, firstly I would like to thank Maria for asking for my opinion, I feel very privileged.  And here it is, I feel that the world has changed, how many of us remember that talking in person, via a telephone or writing letters were the only forms of communication.  Now days we have the technology to send emails, texts and social media just to name a few, it is still communication but it is instant, but that is not the question, text talk, is it affecting writing and grammar in the classroom?

I don’t think that text talk is affecting writing in the classroom anymore than actually using a laptop to take notes in class and having the spell check change your words when they are spelt wrongly.  I believe it is a form of effectively communicating with peers in a short hand form, I think it is more that we have a hard time understanding it and some are still trying to come to terms with technology altogether.  The main aim of any interaction between people is to communicate effectively and I think this “craze” does that.  I also agree with Maria when she brings up the Special needs student argument, some of these students rely on speech aids or communication devices, also some have the added physical impairments that may prevent movement, not to mention intellectual impairments. If these particular children can have a means of communicating, that does not include them having to come up with an entire sentence to make their point or make a request, then that is successful communication. Once again another great TED talk to add to our argument, I hope you have the time to watch it.