Spelling

Have you ever wondered why kids today can't spell anymore? I mean, I understand if you're a foreigner trying to write in a different language that you make mistakes every once in a while, but these British kids here seem to have absolutely no idea how to write their mother tongue.

If it's stupidity, I can understand that, because it's something you can not do anything about, but if it's just a lack of skill/intrest, I think it's disrespectful towards everyone on this board.

I think that at least trying to type understandable text should be some sort of a criteria for being able to register on a messageboard. If you can type, but choose not to, it's A) stupid, B) disrespectful and C) makes you look like an idiot.

Any comments?

Ice

my spelling isn't great but i think "text message" english when it's not actually in a text message is an abonimation (sp?) of the language. there's absolutely no need for it since the whole point is shortening words to fit inside one message.

We have some much troubles about that in France (school, work and ... message boards) and a lot agree on the fact that it's because of the use to write short messages on mobile phone. SMS langague.

I remember a student of my husband a few years ago who wrote on his copy something like 2morrow ..... my husband was really angry ! and when he asked him to explain how you can do sometihng like that at 21 years old he said he didn't even notice it and does that all the time .... :s

A rather obvious point being made at someone specific on the board of course, but I do agree. People seem generally too lazy now, as opposed to lacking the intelligence to type legibly.

Even when I am sending sms I use full and correct grammar whenever possible, even if it takes longer to create the message it is more easily understood than the likes of "c u 2moz" and such, which actually would take me longer to understand than the full text would.

When using instant messenger programs I may often abbreviate, not due to any laziness, more to get a message sent more quickly, but never to the extent of the "txt" language.

I like the idea of only allowing people who will actually type to the best of their abilities, as you said it isn't to discriminate against those who are learning English as they often don't know well enough, but just those who are genuinely lazy. It would reduce the numbers of posters here significantly and those left could actually have proper, legible conversations.

I write a lot in my work, for magazines etc and I can totally understand your husbands reaction. I think it's absolutely horrifying how badly the kids today write. Especially the "cool" teens. If a 21-year-old still does it, that's even worse.

We don't have capital letters, commas and full stops for nothing and there are reasons why you should spell your words right.

Ice

I think online it's a very common, and understandable occurance. You're typing fast and without a whole lot of concern.

There are exceptions. I have a friend who's 26. She's VERY smart, has a great job, but she spells like ass. It's very weird.

Wasn't there a "txt" version of the Bible released? That is not going to teach any of these children any religion, though it does send the message to them that it is ok to talk that way, and as such it will only continue.

I only wish we'd have actually focused on the language more at school than reading poetry and such. I have nothing against poetry, but analysing it in such a way that forces you to simply take a single interpretation as correct to pass the course is quite wrong. I did get an A in English Language at school and am quite proud of that. I know my spelling isn't always perfect, but I do try my best and am always happy to widen my vocabulary and improve my spelling and grammar.

Exactly. I do the same.

You should see on a french message board i visit (about computing) mods are really really agaisnt these lazy persons. They receive a first warning, and after three i think it is, the subject is sent to trash.
And if it's not in a specific thread but they just don't post like that all the time, sometimes their posts are sent to trash too. And trust me it works. Those who really are interested in computing and like the site make the effort, the others complain a bit then leave or are pushed to the door

Sounds like something that should be introduced to other boards as well.

Ice

Well there is certainly one person here who's post count would be reduced to 0 if that was taken into effect.