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Can the "chat language" undermine EFL learning/teaching?
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Thu, 03/26/2009 - 19:35
Hi all,
With the spreading web of the internet, It is noticed in the last few years that students tend to use some amorphous type of English they say they have learnt while chatting with net users. Such a new phenomenon affects their writing skills, especially at the lexical field.
Do you think this type of English can affect both the learning and teaching enterprise? Why, why not?
Any suggestions to use "chat" more positively in the classroom context?
TIA
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 03:48
#2
Hi Mostafa and Rachid,
I guess we´ll have to wait and see how "damaging" this may result in the long run. For the time being, I think it´s worth calling their attention towards the difference between formal writing and writing when you are chatting, as is the case when they text each other in English and use abbreviations and acronyms.
Graciana
Fri, 03/27/2009 - 13:32
#3
Hi everyone
An interesting book to read about this is Txtng: the Gr8 Db8 by Professor David Cystal.
Chris
Hi Mustapha,
I think that there is no harm if Ss use chat language because this language is becoming increasingly needed in our modern time. Teachers should set u blogs and chatrooms and yahoo-groups where this language is allowed. However, once in the classroom, Ss should draw on the formal language because it is in this language where they are going to be tested.
Rachid