Is the Internet Ruining English - Essay Example

 Topic: Is the Internet Ruining English? Introduction Is the internet ruining English? The purpose of this essay is to explain how futile this controversy is. If the answer is in the affirmative, that summary judgment will be too harsh against this technological phenomenon. The web is changing the language but that does not mean it is ruining English. The internet has introduced many new words, and a growing and progressive international language like English should have no problems in accepting new words. It has been accommodating words from other languages in the past and that process has enriched the language. In this essay, I intend to argue that going by the present standards, internet will continue to assert its impact and authority on English, the most popular language that is acknowledged for net in major countries of the world, without ruining it. Why should be English be afraid of internet? If the changes and additions in the language have been accepted in the past, the only noticeable issue with internet and English is the speed of the former, meaning how it has accelerated the process. This cannot be attributed as the negative trait. One cannot expect the internet--savvy modern combustible younger generation to read William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. If they creative computer games, it is their choice. The language perfectionists argue that text messaging has spoiled the beauty of communications through grammatically perfect language and through complete sentences. One who sends the message is certainly not writing a paper for the competitive examination. If texts are filled with abbreviation and the one who reads that text perfectly understands the message conveyed, the purpose is served. Such practice was also vogue in the good old days when people sent telegrams with short and crisp messages. When small children lisp and try to communicate, will not the elders enjoy that communication? The longevity and popularity of such communications relates to their unequivocal acceptance. Formulation of new words is like finding of a new star in the galaxy. Once it is found, it has to be admitted as part of the galaxy and it is the permanent member of the star formations. The argument that technospeak will rule at the cost of standards and creativity, is a wishful thinking. Even assuming that globalization will impose sameness, if that is for the betterment of humankind, there is nothing wrong in it. Just like the members of a family speak one language, the “global family” when it adopts certain uniform computer terminologies, it will be for greater good. I would even go to the extent of asserting that internet and language are two sides of the same coin. One can surf the internet for any language-related questions and their answers at the time of one’s choice. In case of doubts one can cross-check the language related questions instantly, without waiting for an appointment with the language teacher. Internet, ipso facto, is like the Professor in the ‘College of Self-education. Another argument against the internet is that it uses abbreviations. The mentioned argument should be rather in favor of it. If the maximum information is conveyed by using the minimum words, it should go to the credit side of the internet and not the debit side. Are the votaries of language not aware of the fact that there is a perfect system of abbreviation of the English language known as “Pitman’s Shorthand?” It is the art of communicating the maximum of language content with minimum of strokes. David Crystal (2009)writes, “As a result, a huge popular mythology has grown up, in which exaggerated and distorted accounts of what youngsters are believed to do when they text, has fuelled prophecies of impending linguistic disaster.”(p.7)Let the language continue to interact with the print and electronic media and prominently the internet. No damage will be done to the intrinsic value of the language; rather it will get enriched. English language has always been changing. It is called the evolution of language, and not the ruining of the language. Anaya argues this issue succinctly: “English is a language, it cannot be "Ruined" I believe that a language like English which is being used since forever, can be changed or ruined because of the Internet. I personally think the internet has helped me improve my language. We do use slang words and short forms, which make no sense and ruin the language, but that is only on Social Networking Sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc.” (Anaya) Such terms are never used in examinations or in academic/research papers. As such a language cannot be ruined. “There's enough research now to show that the internet word is not destroying the written word. In fact, it's making it even better.”( www.cbc.ca, 29-5-2013) I would even go to the extent that communication and written skills are not about speaking perfect, grammatically correct English. That would be fine as far as official noting and correspondence is concerned. It would also hold well in interviews, answering examinations, debating in seminars and symposiums. But when two friends converse or correspond why serious attention need to be paid to language and grammar? David Crystal (2009)argues, “ The popular belief is that texting has evolved as a twenty-first century phenomenon—as a highly distinctive graphic style, full of abbreviations and deviant uses of language, used by a young generation that doesn’t care about standards.”(p.7) He concludes that in view of the latest findings on the basis of research available on the subject, such fears are uncalled for. Conclusion In the light of the arguments mentioned above, internet is in no way ruining English. The votaries of perfect language have developed unfounded fears that abbreviations used in texting message will disintegrate the beauty of the language. There is a beauty in the sunrise and also in the sunset. Similarly where the use of perfect language is necessary, it is necessary to use the perfect language. Interpersonal or even technical communication, if the objective is served through abbreviations, the facility may be liberally employed. Every sentence need not be a Shakespearean sentence. Internet is an invaluable asset for enriching the English language and it does not subvert its interests. References Cited Crystal, David. (2009)Txtng: The Gr8 Db8: New York, Oxford University Press, Print. Anaya. Is the Internet ruining the English language? | Debate.org Accessedfrom:www.debate.org›Opinions›Technology Stop panicking; the internet is not destroying the English. First aired on Spark, 26/05/13 Accessed from: www.cbc.ca/.../stop-panicking-the-internet-is-not-destroying-the-english-... May 29, 2013 Read More