The reading summary is done by:
ENGL300-1: Anne Gayes
ENGL300-2: Josh Copple
Due by class time on: Monday, Oct. 3rd, 2011
The responses by the whole class are due by class time on: Wed., Oct. 5th, 2011
The text you need to read is here.
Kristen Hawley Turner wrote an article called, Flipping the Switch: Code-Switching from Text Speak to Standard English. This article was about how our English language has changed after the invention of texting messaging. It then goes to talk about how our language has transformed into "text speak" ever since the start of communication technology. (Instant messaging, world wide web, text messaging, etc.)
At the beginning of this article Turner talks about how her little brother knew much about communication technology when he was in high school, and Turner was in college and did not know much about that technology yet. She goes on to explain how her little brother would teach her all the new technology so that she could keep up with the fast changing world. At that time turner was an English teacher and decided to take on trying to figure out why society changed the way they write after text messaging came out.
Turner starts to look into this new phenomenon by looking at her stedents and seeing why they use text speak and what began that. It was said, "the vast majority of teens have eagerly embraced written communication with their peers as they share messages on their social network pages, in emails and instant messages online, and through fast-paced thumb choreography on their cell phones" (Lenhart et al.i). This upcoming new communication between teenagers has sparked many concerned parents and teachers to be worried that text speak will affect their children's school performance. Teachers believe that text speaking has now entered into their grammar within school and that they are not using the proper English that society once always used. There was a counterargument by a writeer of the New York Times, and he claims that the fact that text speaking in entering children's writing within school should not be a problem. He states that "capitalization will disappear". This counterargument does not hold much ground for the concerned parents and teachers though, and they believe there needs to be a stop with this communication.
Researchers Rebecca S. Wheeler and Rachael Swords believe they have came up with a solution to this problem. They wrote a book that helps teachers and their stedents learn the difference between the way they communicate at home and with their friends verse the appropriate communication that should be used in school and the professional world. This book changed the way Turner looks at teaching her students proper English. It has helped her create lesson plans that are affective in getting across when not to use text speak, and what exactly proper English is. This is called "flip the switch lesson" and it is an effective way to help children understand when it is okay to use text speak and when it is not okay.
Overall, I believe this issue should be addressed and fixed. The methods that Wheeler and Swords came up with are very effective in helping fix this problem, and I think all teachers should use it to help their students learn proper English. Our language is changing in a decreasing manner every day, and there needs to be an end to this. I believe that it is okay to use text speak when talking to one's friends or close family, but everyone needs to understand proper English and use it in professional situations such as school or work. If everyone would be able to do this I believe our society would take a major step in the right direction.
By: Anne Gayes
In response to this article, I do not think text slang is a problem until students begin to use it within their formal writing. I do not mind text slang as long as it remains simple and east to understand.
ReplyDeleteSometimes text slang can get annoying, and I may want to scream at my younger cousin or my brother, but more times then naught, I am used to it.
The idea that some texting slang is starting to seep into students' writing is somewhat terrifying--and that's saying something, considering how much I love modernism and the fluctuation with the style of prose in Joyce, Beckett, and Woolf. I think the "Flip the Switch" idea is a good one--especially if you find that students are employing quite a lot of texting slang in their academic papers. Helping students to become aware of how and when to use certain modes of expression can be very helpful.
ReplyDeleteCode switching has been around for a while with spoken words. Which can easily be applied to written word, its the same concept.Use proper English with spoken word and written word with job and school. Then use no proper spoken and written words with friends. I know before I started to use more proper written word in my text messages, sometimes I would have to write an English paper and put "txt" instead of text.
ReplyDeleteI dislike text slang very much, because I even do it. I get to writing a paper or something formal and I will write down a prolly, ight, or even a 2morrow. I find it very annoying and in bad taste really. I think if it starts to come through in kids writings there is a problem. As of now though I do not think it is such a big deal.
ReplyDeleteI am not shocked to hear that text slang is appearing in papers. Technology is always advancing and we seem to always find ways to make our lives a little easier. Even if that means shortening our words to complete a thought. I agree that this issue should be addressed and I like the idea of the "flip the switch" lesson. Children need to learn when it is unacceptable to use and speak text slang. Especially when writing or in a professional setting.
ReplyDeleteThis article is similar to the previous one discussing texting and communication. In contrast, this article notes the technical generation of today who has grown up dependent on world wide web, instant messaging, skype, text messaging, etc. As the author mentions, I was not introduced to cell phones and my own private internet until well into high school. Although I have grown in acceptance with the ever changing technology world, I was not originally raised on it and therefore am very judgmental about the rising technological generation. To me, their dependence on technology is destroying their natural communication skills, but as this article points out, perhaps since that is all they've ever known, they are still as apt at communication between each other as our later generations are.
ReplyDeleteI would be shocked if text slang were not appearing in written form in our classrooms. Today's generation of students are technologically savvy and text, surf, skype, etc. on a daily basis. Our cell phones are extensions of our hands. Unfortunately, there is no place for text slang in the academic or professional world and we must remember to use proper English in written communication for those purposes. Children must be taught the "flip the switch" lesson at a young age so that they grow up knowing what is acceptable in a social or professional setting.
ReplyDeleteThis article discussed how text messaging has changed our English language around. That is horrendous to know that we are using slang in essays and its in our English. Proper English would be more appropriate to use. Especially if you're in college still using slang in your vocabulary, something is wrong. You should be more advanced in your English to the point where your essays are grammatically correct.
ReplyDeleteMany students find it hard to navigate between professional writing and the writing between friends. Texting, itself, has a direct impact on the English language but some individuals have a hard time switching in between professional and non-professional writing. I also feel that this is a big problem for students who have not mastered the idea and concept of professional writing.
ReplyDeleteI think "flipping the switch" is becoming increasingly difficult for a lot of people. This principle is similar to the discussion we had about AAE as compared to standard English. One of my friends recently shared with me how concerned she was about her adult daughter's written English. My friend's daughter couldn't remember how to write without using texting lingo! If adults are struggling this much with "flipping the switch", I can't imagine what students who have grown up with texting must feel. I think Turner's lesson plans that are targeted at controlling "text speak" are very clever and should be implemented in more classrooms.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe text slang is a problem. I feel those who use text slang should know the difference between what they are saying in a text and what they say in a professional paper, after all it is slang for what they are trying to say. In my own personal life I realized the difference between texting friends and writing a paper. I am in a different mind set when I am doing those things. I do not use "u" when writing a paper, or "r" I understand that is inappropriate. I feel if people do have trouble understanding the difference then that individual should not use the text slang. Younger students are learning the proper way to write in school, slang is something you learn on your own time.
ReplyDeleteI think it is ok to speak with friends and family however you want, but there needs to be a distinction of when it ok to use text slang (or any slang for that matter) and standard English. I do not think that teachers should allow such speech into the classrooms at all. It almost feels like it has to do a lot of respect from the students. Think about it, a lot of slang used in other parts of the world is never used with the elders. Slang is typically only used with peers. If we can teach the younger generations that there is a time and a place for such language, then it would be ok to use it.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading this article, I found that many educators are considerably worried about the younger generations and how texting is effecting their writing skills. I believe however, as long as a student knows when to keep the texting language out of the classroom environment, that there should be no problem. For instance, I have been texting since the age of 14 and I know that this needs to stay out of the classroom. The grammar used in texting and written language are two completely opposite things. In a casual setting texting should be acceptable, however in a classroom it should not.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the concern of the teachers. Some younger students have never known a world without text language, and some older students have forgotten a world without text language. I believe text slang is okay to use while texting, if that is your thing, but people need to know how to communicate in a professional manner when necessary. Some people seem to be able to do this without a problem, but others struggle to leave the text slang behind. This is where we have the issue.
ReplyDeleteThe article Flipping the Switch Between Text Speak and Standard English, the exact thoughts reflect from young peers closely associated to this time period. Seeing as how many of my peers, and I as well exhibit similar thoughts as Kristen Hawley Turner, considering ourselves the generation of pioneers emerging with the advancement of technology; looking at the language of text speak as “cool” seems almost unrealistic. Though recognizing its importance among society in modern times, understanding how to incorporate “the switch” is a necessity and should be employed among school curricula’s across the country. I myself can vouch for the need of being able to switch from setting to setting. Due to strict parents who did not allow lagging of formal language, understanding when to speak formal and informal becomes an unconscious ability.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started texting, I noticed a lot of changes in my papers. I would write “u” instead of “you.” I wouldn’t even notice the text slang while proofreading my school papers, so I would always get points marked down. I believe “flip the switch” is good to learn at a young age, since technology is going to advance and texting is going to be occurring at younger ages. The longer teachers wait, the harder it will be to get out of the texting speak zone because people become set in their ways. Being able to see the difference early is going to help younger students separate professional writing and non-professional writing. This is important because text speak is not allowed in professional writing, and it can sometimes change the outcome of receiving a job or getting a scholarship.
ReplyDeleteMost of us use text messaging but we don’t realize how it has changed our way of writing and speaking. I understand why it is a concerned for many educators. It would become a very sloppy careless writing and speaking world. I do like how turner decided to teach students when to use text slang. It's a good way to stop the phenomenon without restricting text slang with friends or family.
ReplyDeleteI know that my texting has reflected through my professional writing style. Since I text so much I have forced myself to become more careful when I write for a college level course. Since I text much more than I write papers it becomes almost second nature to type in slang and to shorten my words. I think "flipping the switch" is incredibly important. We need to make it apparent that there is a difference between text speak and formal writing. By doing this at a young age, students will have less difficulty in the future when editing their papers.
ReplyDeleteAs technology continues to develop, so does the text speak language. Many people believe that this will cause problems with future students. However Richard Sterling does not believe that it is a problem at all. I can see where they are coming from especially when I read some papers from high school students. At the same time, I believe that text speak can easily be avoided while writing a paper. I agree that they need to flip the switch and know when to leave it for texting.
ReplyDeleteTechnology rules the world and since its rise many questions have come up. This article explores whether or not texting slang has a negative affect on students. It examines the writing and grammar skills of young students who have grown up with this tech. language. Personally, I do not think texting makes a difference. If students learn proper English they will know how to differentiate it from informal slang. All generations have had forms of slang, whether it is texted or not. Students simply have to learn proper English just like past generations.
ReplyDeleteIn the article "Flipping the Switch Between Text Speak and Standard English" by Kristen Harvey, she explains text speak. The English language changed with the creation of the world wide web, texting, instant messaging, email, and social networking pages. People, especially younger generations like students, have changed the way they right because they are so used to shortening the language for texts. I understand personally, that it is hard to "flip the switch". I have caught myself using "text speak" while writing or in papers and I have to go back and fix it later. This is a large problem for students who are still in school. This generation is so technologically advanced that we have to make sure that "text speak" doesn't overtake our standard English.
ReplyDeleteIn the article "Flipping the Switch Between Test Speak and Standard English" by Kristen Harvey, Harvey touches on an important topic surfacing in education. Students are beginning to use text slang such as: u, 4, y, and lol in their professional papers. I am currently observing in a fifth grade classroom and these students constantly replace four or for with the number 4. It is awful how often it occurs and i believe it is definitely a topic that educators need to be aware of and work to correct.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated in my previous comment. Text "lingo" has become a huge problem. Like everything else, text "lingo" has a time and a place. If someone wants to use it amongst there friends and family, that is one thing. But when a person gets so use to using these abbreviations that he/she begins to use them in their professional work, that is where the problem lays. How many people do you hear a day say LOL instead of actually laughing or say "HA that's funny?" I'm sure at least 10. This "lingo" has taken over, and while it is fine amongst friends it's not okay when this is how you begin to speak to your boss. It is obvious that this is not going to change, so the "flip the switch" lesson is a great way for teachers to actually teach. If children are taught when proper English is needed and when it's okay to use text speak, then maybe this problem will begin to decrease but who knows.
ReplyDeleteI believe text slang is a good thing when its actually used to text. I do not believe it should be mixed into proper English. People need to know where the line is on to stop using text slang and where to begin using proper English. If kids are doing it more and more these days, I believe it is important to stress to them not to use it in school.
ReplyDeleteThe article Flipping the Switch: Code- Switching from text speak to Standard English is very much true about today's world. I believe the younger generation might be using the same language they use to communicate through social networks in school. Now and days almost every child has a cell phone which are full of social networking applications so that makes it easier for them to learn this slang and get comfortable with using it. As an adult now, when I was younger a cell phone wasn't necessary and were not nearly advanced as they are now. So we did not have as many distractions as the kids do now. So I think this is a great article and the children of today should read it so they know that it is important to not mix "slang" with education.
ReplyDeleteIt's frightening to me that more people are starting to use text slang in formal writing. Text slang is (somewhat) acceptable when talking to friends, but it should never be used when writing formally or for any academic or professional purpose. Students should be able to realize when text slang is appropriate to use. I sometimes use text slang when I am taking notes simply because of time constraints, but I would never use it when writing a paper or on a homework assignment. It is important for teachers to understand how to help their students "flip the switch".
ReplyDeleteI was unaware that text slang was a problem with acadenic writing. To me, it seems like a no-brainer that this type of vocabulary should not be used in professional situations, but to younger students who have grown up using this language, I can see where there may be some difficulty in knowing when to turn that language off. It is imperative that students are taught an expansive, professional vocabulary to be used in academic writing and professional situations such as work and school. It is also important that students are taught to understand when text slang is appropriate and when it is not. It seems that Turner's method is working and therefore should be implemented in classrooms across the country.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the text speak is not a problem in day to day life. I mean language and the people speak has always changed over time. If people were writing and talking as they did in the 18th century people would be saying that this is wrong. Though I do feel that language and speech changes I do not feel that this text slang is appropriate in academic writing. With this I support this idea of flipping the switch.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a problem believing that text slang is appearing in academic papers. Text slang should never be used in academic writing but since kids use it so much I think that they just do not know when it is appropriate and when it is not. I think that it is a teacher's job to explain to students that this language is not appropriate when writing a paper for school. I feel that the language is okay when used correctly in the correct environment but not for an academic setting.
ReplyDeleteI hate when text slang appears in academic papers. I think it is completely unprofessional and is terribly immature. Students, if the choose to use text message slang, should also be able to switch back into academic text. Text slang is fine when used inappropriately but should not cross over into the academic world and I believe there should be consequences if it does.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for students to understand that text speech and academic speech need to be separated. This article states that parents and teachers are concerned about their children's schoolwork becoming worse because of text slang. Teachers must explain why text slang should nit be used in the academic world.
ReplyDeleteAs stated in the article, text slang does sometimes come out in academic conversation and in academic writing. It is important that students know how to code switch which is shifting language and/or sign to include a larger audience or to exclude certain people. This article refers to it as "Flipping the switch."Its important that students are able to turn it off and on because texting slang can be very helpful at times just not in others.
ReplyDeleteThis article, "Flipping the Switch Between Text Speaking and Standard English," shows how prominent text lingo is anymore. It has become almost an epidemic in the younger generations. Others believe that proper English will eventually fade, though I believe it never will. I do not believe it should be acceptable with the exception of JUST texting. There is never a good place for it in anything else.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is a now a balance between text language and grammar, because of the technological advancement of cellular phones. Most if not all smart phones now come with T9 text language, an application that finishes a phrase in complete words however text slang does sometimes come out in academic conversation and in academic writing. It is important that students know how to code switch when they are writing for academic reasons and when they are just text messaging friends and family members.
ReplyDeleteI beleive that students know when to use text langauge and grammar. We only really use tetx language in text messages. We don't write then in papaers or responses. We know that majority of our teachers don't understand text and will not give us a proper score. Text language is a bit like slang. It's our own language.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is a clear distinction between the language one uses in the classroom/professional setting and when texting. It all comes down to common sense and being aware of your situation. Texting has opened a door to more slang, but people should be able to filter that. I use text slang because it is more convenient but I know that it should not be brought into certain settings.
ReplyDelete