It's a special form of communication where youths use among themselves today. it's a kind of informal language that can only be understood in certain context use on the Internet for e.g. in a computer game people use some kinds of game slang's to communicate with other players.
These type of language only appeared recently as youths get in contact with more digital media like SMS texting, IRC, MSN chatting and cyber gaming. After some time the usage of this language are used everywhere even in everyday conversation.
Have you talked to someone about something funny and all that the person replied is only LOL or ROFL with no emotions instead of telling you how funny it was? LOL and ROFL are abbreviation for laughing out loud and roll on the floor laughing.
Why youths use it?
- Can be use to shorten sentences .
- Is convenient to use and convey message faster and easier.
- Communicate in a way that only certain people or group can understand.
- They feel cool and hip by using it.
- Following the trend.
The effects of using it
- Wrong use or ignore punctuation marks or vowels in the written language.
- Excessive use of emoticons or expressive symbols in sentence.
- Over use of acronyms and short forms can affects spelling of words.
- Colloquials and acronyms are use in the spoken language.
- Misinterpretation of what the person is trying to express.
- Inappropriate use e.g. in exams scripts, formal writing and emails.
A video on how to decode cyber speak.
Generally the use of slang's and lingo's are deem undesirable in formal and everyday use, but more youths are using it in these context, changing the way how people should talk and write. Personally I myself is guilty of using too much cyber lingo on twitter or smsing and I feel that my English is somewhat affected by it.
So what are the ways that we can stop this worrying trend and encourage youths to start using proper language again? Discussion on the comment box below will be appreciated.
The speak good english movement (SEGM) launched by Mr Goh chok tong in year 2000
http://www.kenwooi.com/2009/08/maple-story-addiction.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPWQhYWrCXY&feature=player_embedded
