wh nds vwls?

New technologies have had a major influence on the way we communicate and use language today: punctuation and capital letters are being dropped in favor of emoticons, letter-number homophones, and acronyms. But are email, instant messaging, and mobile text messaging degrading the language? This question surfaces in debates among language professionals and writers.

Last November, both New Zealand and Scotland's Qualifications Authority, the curriculum/testing agency certifying high school graduation, announced that students will be able to use “text speak” (cellphone and chat shorthand) in their exam essays. Their position is that although text-speak is less desirable than the Queen's English, it is acceptable if the meaning of the student's exam response is thoughtful and articulate.

As much as I love technology and mobile culture, I'm afraid this sends the wrong message. We need to teach students effective techno-personal skills. That means using the appropriate language for the context. Using “txt spk” on Internet forums, blogs, IM services, and chat rooms encourages freedom and fluidity of expression. In this context, it becomes a form of art, much like code poetry. On the other hand, using it in a formal essay or on a job application gives a poor impression of the writer. The banner at the top is making the rounds in the blogosphere as part of a “Save the Vowels” movement.