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Texting 'helps pupils to spell' | Texting 'helps pupils to spell' |
(11 minutes later) | |
Children who regularly use the abbreviated language of text messages are actually improving their ability to spell correctly, research suggests. | Children who regularly use the abbreviated language of text messages are actually improving their ability to spell correctly, research suggests. |
A study of eight- to 12-year-olds found that rather than damaging reading and writing, "text speak" is associated with strong literacy skills. | A study of eight- to 12-year-olds found that rather than damaging reading and writing, "text speak" is associated with strong literacy skills. |
Researchers say text language uses word play and requires an awareness of how sounds relate to written English. | Researchers say text language uses word play and requires an awareness of how sounds relate to written English. |
This link between texting and literacy has proved a surprise, say researchers. | This link between texting and literacy has proved a surprise, say researchers. |
These latest findings of an ongoing study at the University of Coventry contradict any expectation that prolonged exposure to texting will erode a child's ability to spell. | These latest findings of an ongoing study at the University of Coventry contradict any expectation that prolonged exposure to texting will erode a child's ability to spell. |
Improving 'hmwrk' | Improving 'hmwrk' |
Instead it suggests that pupils who regularly use text language - with all its mutations of phonetic spelling and abbreviations - also appear to be developing skills in the more formal use of English. | Instead it suggests that pupils who regularly use text language - with all its mutations of phonetic spelling and abbreviations - also appear to be developing skills in the more formal use of English. |
If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging, not because of it Dr Clare Wood | If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging, not because of it Dr Clare Wood |
The research, part-funded by the British Academy, suggests that texting requires the same "phonological awareness" needed to learn correct spellings. | The research, part-funded by the British Academy, suggests that texting requires the same "phonological awareness" needed to learn correct spellings. |
So when pupils replace or remove sounds, letters or syllables - such as "l8r" for "later" or "hmwrk" for "homework" - it requires an understanding of what the original word should be. | So when pupils replace or remove sounds, letters or syllables - such as "l8r" for "later" or "hmwrk" for "homework" - it requires an understanding of what the original word should be. |
Instead of texting being a destructive influence on learners, the academics argue that it offers them a chance to "practise reading and spelling on a daily basis". | Instead of texting being a destructive influence on learners, the academics argue that it offers them a chance to "practise reading and spelling on a daily basis". |
Using initials and abbreviations and understanding phonetics and rhymes are part of texting - but they are also part of successful reading and spelling development, they say. | Using initials and abbreviations and understanding phonetics and rhymes are part of texting - but they are also part of successful reading and spelling development, they say. |
"If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging, not because of it," said Clare Wood, reader in developmental psychology. | "If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging, not because of it," said Clare Wood, reader in developmental psychology. |
This is an interim report, based on a year-long study of 63 pupils in England, with the final report expected next year, but so far researchers have not found a negative association between using text abbreviations and literacy skills. | |
The use of text language "was actually driving the development of phonological awareness and reading skill in children", said Dr Wood. | The use of text language "was actually driving the development of phonological awareness and reading skill in children", said Dr Wood. |
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