Talk is Golden by KanTalk.com

An African-American teacher gets serious about pronunciation in the black community.

Would using the phrases like “LOL”, “OMG” and “TTYL” in the exchanges of instant messenger hurt kids’ langauge skills? The scientists from University of Toronto’s linguistics department did a study and concluded the following:

Speaking to TOI from Toronto, the study’s lead author Prof Sali A Tagliamonte said: “Parents should no more be worried about their children forgetting the usage of conservative English due to IM. What they should be worried about is how much time they spend on IM, in place of their homework. In fact, parents should think about starting IM themselves.”

She added: “The study took several years. IM language has an effect on children’s communication skills but does not ruin their linguistic skills. The kids have to communicate and get their message across in a language that is common among people they are communicating with. How we talk in a board room is not the way we talk to our best friend. That’s why the style changes when kids get online.”

You can read more about the study here.

What’s the next? Teaching foreign languages?

Among the professional football leagues in Europe, England’s Premier League is the one that the football fans usually don’t miss the games between any two of the 20 clubs during the season. With the team like Manchester United and the star like Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s the ultimate thrill the fans love to throw themselves in.

They might not in the coming seasons because of an immigration policy change in Britain. According to a report from the Guardian:

South American, African and other non-European footballers who cannot speak English will be barred from joining Premier League clubs from the autumn under the new points-based immigration system detailed by ministers yesterday.

The introduction of an English language test, covering everyday phrases and simple conversation, forms part of a package of tougher rules for skilled migrants from outside Europe applying to work in Britain and for temporary workers and students.

So, one single talent–with your foot, that is–is no longer enough to get you play in the Premier League anymore. It has to match with the talent with your tongue, too.