Wednesday, February 9, 2011

stdy shos txtn imprvs ltrcy: Ok, I am not so sure about this study

  
When I first saw this article, I thought to myself- no way this can be true. However, in a weird, textual way, it does make some sense. Children who text and read texts obviously need to be selective about what letters they include to formulate the words and phrases they wish to convey. In reading incoming texts, they have to know how to decode words and phrases with less letters. From this perspective, it is possible that texting might improve children's ability to recognize and apply the very basics of speech and writing. Here's the article. It is dated Feb. 4th, 2011 and it is from the UK, that's why you'll see strange looking words such as recognise and mobile phones instead of cell phones (mobile is pronounced Mo-byle).

From MailOnline.com

Children who are fluent at text messaging have better literacy skills than youngsters who do not use mobile phones, it was claimed today.

Scientists discovered that rather than destroying their use of English, texting improves children's ability to recognise rhymes and speech patterns. The findings fly in the face of long-held views of parents and teachers who believe text messaging damages children's ability to write properly.
The ten-year study, funded by the British Academy, examined the effect of the use of text messages on eight to 12-year-olds. Researchers found children as young as five who used mobile phones are better at understanding rhymes and syllables in speech.
Psychologist Dr Clare Wood, who led the study at Coventry University, said the use of abbreviations, commonly used in text messaging, helped in the development of children's reading and writing skills.
She said: 'We began studying in this area initially to see if there was any evidence of association between text abbreviation use and literacy skills at all, after such a negative portrayal of the activity in the media.

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