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
The cyber slang is actually used quite frequently in text messages and even in real life talks.Sometimes it could be really irritating if the person used it on wrong occasions. It also seems like decoding a puzzle of codes if you don't understand.I use it to cut short sentences and to write much more in messages. But we should not really use too much slang because it would mix up our use of correct English.Which is really important in the future.
ReplyDeleteya I agree with you. cannot imagine in the future if cyber slang becomes the way people use to communicate, Have to decode every sentence.
ReplyDeleteIt is a common problem all around the world. Even adults are starting to use this slang. We cannot help not using it when chatting online since it is a fast way of communication. However, we must make sure that we know when not to use it. For example, when writing an essay for school work, do not use this slang. Of course, if we are used to it, we sometimes do not realize that we are using this slang. So, it is our own responsibility and know when to use or when not to use them.
ReplyDelete@dyana yeah i agree with you also,sometimes when writing report for my school work I will subconciously type in some slangs or short form. really too used to using it already.
ReplyDeleteSam
Almost everyone, especially teenagers, are speaking in such slang because their friends do it and it conveys their message faster. And most of the time, they would also write in slang language. Personally, I do not use internet slang and I think it should be used less so that their English skills would not be affected.
ReplyDeleteI think everybody needs to adapt. When to use informal languages and when to forbide using informal languages. As long as you dont incorporate this style into your writing or presentation then it should be okay. Although sometimes you may slip your tongue, you need more practise to keep this abbreviations out of certain occasions
ReplyDelete@Arini You never use any internet slang before? wow, I'm impressed.
ReplyDelete@ShunAn yes, but sometimes it's really hard to control.
Cyber slang does make talking over the internet easier. It also adds a personal touch while conveying your messages to people over the net because everyone "speaks" a common language
ReplyDelete@valerie But sometimes don't you feel that the way they speak is too cheesy or incomprehensible. For example leet speak: 1 4m l33t h4x0r!
ReplyDeleteI feel that internet slang can't be completely eradicated especially among us youngsters. Schools should continue to emphasize the importance of speaking proper English to ensure that students won't absent-mindedly write in chatspeak in their compositions. All this internet lingo is fine if you know when and where to use it.
ReplyDeletei think that this is a problem only if it affects our verbal communication in real life. For example, some people actually use words like "lol" in real life, when speaking to others even though the term is meant to be used online. However as long as we can keep it in check and continue speaking proper english (at least in real life), i think that this is not much of a problem
ReplyDeletethere's nothing wrong with slangs actually; they just make communication more natural. Communication is a daily routine and if we have rules to adhere to when communicating, I guess that's really pressurising. Ultimately, any problems related to new media sink in only when one cannot balance and separate the reality and his virtual life. -Fatin
ReplyDelete