Journal # 6

Is Chatspeak Destroying English?
By Linda Howard and Greg Monfils

This article gives two different views on the topic of chatspeak.Linda Howard discusses how chatspeak is destroying English. Shementions that because chatspeak is used commonly it will eventuallybecome a common place especially in written English. It will becomeharder to determine what is acceptable and unacceptable dialogue, notonly verbally but written communication as well. Chatspeak, shortcutsand acronyms, do not belong in academics or other formal settings.Using chatspeak on a regular basis can make it difficult to know whento use and when not to use it. Chatspeak does not allow for English tobe used effectively. It is possible for students to "hinder theirwriting abilities to the point that they will be adversely affectedwhen faced with the task of providing meaningful written elaboration.
Greg Monfils has a different opnion on chatspeak. He believes that thestudents can tell the difference and are able to codeswitch. Monfilsalso believes that if students forgo chatspeak that it would notappreciably increase their command of written English. A comment hemakes mentions,"After all, we teach them different languages all thetime." Chatspeak gives teens their own private language which makesthe older generation intrigued by it. Monfils suggests that ifchatspeak is being used in papers it is probably done out ofrebelliousness rather than obliviousness.

Question1: Can chatspeak be effective in the classroom?
Answer1: I believe that it can be effective and used for groupcommunication such as e-mails and discussions. I also agree thatstudents know when it is appropriate and when it is not. As far aspresenations and assignments.

Question 2: Can chatspeak be considered its own language?
Answer 2: Why not? we don't always use traditional english. I think traditional English has already been butchered. We have turned proper English into our own language that fits our society. Chatspeak has now evolved and is being used as an alternative language for e-mails and texting. I don’t think it should be used in professional settings, but it is a new evolving language used in technology.