Text Messaging Vs Academic Writing - A Case Study

Abstract

The paper aims to bring into discussion the relationship between informal e-communication and formal writing, focusing on the use of SMS language, which is in a constant evolution, particularly among the young generations. SMS language is also a controversial topic today: some linguists and teachers are concerned that this abbreviated language, with its carefree spelling, its poor punctuation and grammar and its paucity of vocabulary is a real menace to students’ quality of writing; others, on the contrary, consider it inspiring and useful as students with a good command of texting also possess a broader facility for language. But what do students have to say about the topic? In order to gain insight into how they view the role and impact of texting on their writing, a questionnaire was distributed to a group of army cadets. The answers show that although text messaging is widely used and is an important tool of communication among young people, students consider that it has a negligible impact on their overall writing abilities and they strongly appreciate the value of writing for their future career.