Chatspeak...

After reading the Point-Counterpoint article on chatspeak, I have to say that I agree with Mr. Monfils. Kids - and numerous other cliques, nationalities, interest groups, etc. - have had their own ways of speaking for hundreds of years. There was a time when the way we speak was considered distasteful, slang. This is the way language works; it evolves, and it always will. One of the unique aspects of language is that, unlike math or science, nothing is ever absolute. What was correct one day may be deemed incorrect in the future, or even just by a different teacher.

Greg Monfils noted that children "codeswitch" between chatspeak and standard English, and he is absolutely correct. What he failed to mention is that we all codeswitch all the time. The way we speak to our significant other is not the same as the way we address the class during a presentation, the way we speak to our best friends is different than when we speak to a co-worker. Codeswitching is not only common but necessary in our world. And the truth, kids know the difference between chatspeak and standardized English. They may not always choose to acknowledge that difference, but they know there is one. Chatspeak is not hindering students' ability to grasp traditional English. Instead, it is allowing them to communicate effectively and quickly with their peers.

I did question the logic of Ms. Howard. In her writing she states, "We may have different sets of
linguistic conventions according to our ethnicity, family, friends, and our work and school communities, but at some point it is time to realize that the English language must be used effectively to understand and to be understood." This quote states that English language must be used effectively. What it fails to recognize is that kids are using chatspeak to communicate effectively. Their point is being heard, understood, and they are recognizing the words of others. This is effective communication. Ms. Howard doesn't seem to understand that effective communication comes in a variety of forms, many that she wouldn't even recognize or understand. She doesn't seem to acknowledge that those who communicate differently from what she thinks is right are often just as effective, if not more so.