Text Messaging Slang May Improve Spelling Ability

12:57 pm on September 24, 2009 | Category: Web Services, Wireless, Messaging

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Contrary to what many parents believe, the use of text messaging slang does not damage a child’s ability to spell, and may actually help it, according to a recent study by the University of Alberta.

Researchers surveyed 40 students aged 12 to 17, and found that those who were good spellers academically tended to be good spellers when using SMS and instant messaging. Teens who were good at using text slang were also less likely to make mistakes when spelling complete words.

Connie Varnhagen, author of the study, said that the use of slang could provide a brain workout for some teens, as they jump back and forth between letters and numbers, full words and abbreviations.

“Instant messaging is not ruining our children’s spelling ability. In fact, it might actually be helping it - it’s having them think about language in different ways,” Varnhagen explained.

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    1. This sucks. Stupid kids my age these days Ar3 wR1TtInG liK3 tHi$$ !!! How the hell is text slang gonna helps these poor children!?!?!

      Comment by Ginny Nin Bing — September 24, 2009 #

    2. I think that last quote in the article says it all. Using text slang correctly requires a good understanding of language. Just like slang itself requires cultural understanding.

      Comment by B. Lieve — September 26, 2009 #

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