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.
