Going beyond their comprehension

Expert view
Language is transforming rapidly 
Yes, I’m aware that the
Bangalore University has banned use of texting language in examinations, as it is not easy for teachers to figure out what it exactly means. Language is transforming strangely right
before our eyes.

We are witnessing the manner in which the English language is changing everyday. Obviously youngsters are  going to use the latest abbreviations, which they acquire in their everyday usage.

But obviously teachers won’t be conversant in the jargon and terminology. So it doesn’t make sense to allow such kind of language for academics.

The texting lingo has no clarity and simply doesn’t lend itself to any kind of linguistic felicity. So we need to bring about a change in the way pupils write their papers at the moment. Such lingo certainly shouldn’t be allowed in examinations.
—Ananda Amritmahal,  head of English department,   Sophia College

Literature will lose appeal among students
T he texting lingo is very convoluted. I understand that it has been invented since it is easier while messaging anyone since limited characters are entered and texting requires users to be fast. While there isn’t any serious hazard with this trend currently.

As a mode of communication, it can become a problem for coming generations, despite its stated purpose of simplification. The first problem is that vocabulary will become shorter and knowledge of spellings will be reduced among English learners.

The second problem is that people will lose the inclination towards reading literature,  especially works of great writers.

Thirdly, people who are using texting lingo don’t use vowels.
So besides creating confusion, people also face the difficulty to pronounce words. So looking at the increased trend of text lingo, I feel Bangalore University has taken a visionary step. Application of this in the exams is not right.
    —Vipul K Rawal, writer

Cannot replace the originality and flair
I don’t believe that texting can substitute English at any level. It might serve as an interesting mode of communication, in order to drive certain targeted messages. But it cannot replace the originality and flair. The reason texting lingo is popular is due to a sense of convenience, which people get while typing. While it might help conveying a lot within a limited character space, it doesn’t capture the richness of English. SMS lingo helps while sending short messages to friends over the web. As a copywriter, I can’t use it for formal work.
—Lester Fernandes, senior copywriter

Recipients spend time deciphering messages
The extensive use of text lingo is killing the English language. The main reason behind it is the increased dependence on mobile phones. With Blackberry devices, people are more prone to texting lingo these days than emails or letters. Everybody is in a hurry and doesn’t want to waste time in typing long sentences, hence they use such lingo. Sometimes youngsters use such language because they don’t want their parents to understand their messages. I never use the texting jargon and as I don’t want the receiver to spend time trying to decipher the message.    
—Samrat Poddar, marketing director

People are habituated to using text lingo
It is not surprising that not just students but a majority of individuals are comfortable using the texting lingo. It is because we are habituated to using that lingo. At the same time, I know many people who would use complete words and sentences with proper punctuation marks in their text messages and emails. This is probably because they are used to this and don’t want to resort to the short forms that the recipient might not necessarily understand. Being a media professional, I have to be careful regarding my grammar and syntax. Dictionary facility in the mobile phone makes it easy to give an error-free copy. 
—Varsha Arolla, journalist

Usage of short form is unintentional
Mobile phones are used more for sending text messages these days than talking and this is prevalent among youngsters. It’s bound to happen that people continue using the texting lingo, whenever they are writing or typing because they are habituated to using the short forms. The benefits are that they are cool and quick. I also unintentionally end up using the same text lingo, while writing my exams or during making projects. At the same time, this lingo comes handy while taking down running notes, so it has benefits as well. Instead of banning the lingo, they should deduct marks for using the language.
    —Jahanara Shaikh, student, KC College

Pupils must know correct syntax
With excessive use of mobile phones today, I unintentionally tend to use the texting lingo in communication. Hence this becomes a habit and we tend to use it  everywhere, even while appearing in exams. From the point of view of our teachers, I’m sure that they will have trouble deciphering the language. I agree that such lingo should not be used while writing exam papers. It should be banned because at a formative age, students need to know the advantage of usage of good language. What youngsters don’t understand is that while the mode is quicker, the same lingo can ruin their language.
—Dhairya Gala, student, St Teresa’s school

Many people may get wrong message
By banning texting lingo in exams, the Bangalore University has taken an exemplary stance. It’s okay, if students or people are using abbreviations for private communication. But it becomes a problem, if students want to use the jargon in examinations. In many cases, people may get the wrong message, if they are unable to decipher the communication. Their vocabulary won’t increase if people start communicating using limited words only. A new generation may use such language, but still there are many who aren’t so tech-savvy and completely unaware of such communication.
—Dipika Foman, student,  National College