OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

CODE

OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WIRTTEN COMMUNICATION JOHN A/L CHAKO ERICK PILLIN

SUBJECT

TUTOR NAME

MATRIC NO.

841026125693001

PHONE NO.

0138971513

OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
No CONTENTS PAGE

1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3

Literature Review Introduction Related research on SMS Agree or Disagree that SMS is corrupting our language

3 3 4 6

2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

Methodology Introduction The sample Instrumentation Survey Questionnaires Analysis of Data Frequency Distribution

7 8 8 8 10

3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

Findings, Discussion and Conclusion Introduction Findings and Discussions Implications of Research Findings Recommendations Conclusion

11 11 11 11 13 14

4.0

References

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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

1.0 1.1

LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction

SMS is an acronym standing for Short Message Service (McGuigan, 2003). It is commonly referred to as text messaging or "texting" as well. SMS is a method by which messages can be sent to a cell phone via another cell phone, a computer connected to the Internet, a regular land line, or a handheld device such as a Blackberry. The original specifications for SMS were developed in 1985, though real implementation and popularity took nearly a decade to achieve. Using the SMS [short messaging service] is cheaper and often more convenient than actually calling everyone they know. People can send the same text message to multiple people so the technology can be used to reach many people at once, so it takes less time. Recently some people have begun to question whether SMS is corrupting our language have the confines of 140 characters forced people to rethink how they speak such that they use the shortcuts borne of texting even in non-SMS, even face-to-face conversation? "Is SMS corrupting our language?" (Or may have on the spot concluded that SMS is corrupting our language) But not everyone including some experts sees it that way.

Instant messaging (IM) via computers is well entrenched in Malaysia, text messaging on mobile phones is a more recent technology in our country. Short Message Service (SMS) is the text communication service component of phone or mobile communication systems, using standardized communications protocols that allow the exchange of short text messages between fixed line or mobile phone devices. SMS text messaging is the most widely used data application in the world, with 2.4 billion active users, or 74% of all mobile phone subscribers. The term SMS is used as a synonym for all types of short text messaging, as well as the user activity itself, in many parts of the world.

In the context of virtual communities, in particular those that form around the use of SMS, one of the main variables that can influence the behavior of members of such communities is
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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

the nature of the language used. Together with the message source, language is thus one of the main determinants of the behaviors of the members of a community. SMS language exists in a digital environment and must be limited to a finite space of 160 characters. It is also characterized by factors such as time pressure, by the affective nature of the content as well as by its socializing dimension (Anis 2004).

1.2

Related research on SMS

Although language has always been changing, according to Biesenbach-Lucas and Wiesenforth (2001), due to developments in communication technology, its change has recently accelerated and led to interesting variations in written language use. For example, the evolution of an abbreviated language is due to the shortcomings and the technical restrictions of SMS as a means of communication. The existence of a common background between close friends and family members seems to be another reason for a reasonable use of syntactic and lexical short forms to save energy, space and time. Since only a tiny space is available to communicate, the texter has to condense meaning into a short message.

Danet (2001) found a tendency toward playfulness in SMS greetings and concluded that SMS Communication is more informal in comparison to full Bahasa language. Trupe (2002) also found an emergent diversity in written communication in terms of word choice and syntax. However, Abras (2002) observed that writers in online discourse adhered to the principle of relevance to help readers reach maximal understanding with minimal processing effort.

Another study carried out by developmental psychologists at Coventry University has disproved the commonly held perception that using abbreviations and other text-speak has a negative effect on literacy. Children who are proficient at texting are usually good spellers. They are more phonologically aware i.e. can recognize sound patterns and the relationship between letters and sounds. Texting also helps children become more aware of rhyme. In spite of that, texting can benefit weaker readers and spellers who would generally turn away from books and the written word, as texting can give them exposure to written English, which they would not get otherwise.It was supported by David Crystal, honorary professor of linguistics at the University of Wales, who believes that sending frequent texts can actually
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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

help children to read and write because of the abbreviations used. People have always used abbreviations, they do not actually use that many in texts but when they do they are using them in new, playful and imaginative ways that benefit literacy (Leake, 2008). Crystal (2008) believes that the widespread concern about the impact of texting on childrens literacy is unfounded. The brevity of the text style, and the 160 character constraint of an SMS, requires the author to write economically, inventively and playfully doing this is good practice when learning to read and write. Wood, Plester and Bowyer (2008) agree that when texting, the children have the freedom to play with the construction of language that they are learning about at school, and are creative in their use of it. They also have regular engagement with it. Plester, Wood and Joshi (2009) believe that any engagement with the written word (as opposed to the spoken word) including reading and writing textisms in digital form on mobile phones is beneficial for children.

OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

1.3

Agree or Disagree that SMS is corrupting our language

I am disagree SMS corrupting our national language. Language is just a medium to express thoughts and ideas through. If the thought/idea is received and understood, then the way it got there is irrelevant. In fact, if you get the same idea across while using fewer letters and words, you have increased your thought-transmission efficiency. People who think SMS is corrupting our language are just a little bit short-sighted, as they place more importance on language itself than on the actual reason language exists. In fact, one researcher has described the act of translating the abbreviations as a brain workout for those who participate. In the study, a group of University of Alberta researchers has shown that language commonly used in instant messaging has no effect on your childs spelling abilities. If anything, says study author Connie Varnhagen, using language variations commonly used in instant messaging and texting is actually a good sign. Conversely, people who used more abbreviations were better spellers than people who did not use many abbreviations in their messages, the study found.

OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

2.0

METHODOLOGY

2.1

Introduction

The findings result the fact that girls use more textisms than boys. This bears out the findings of previous studies with adults and older teenagers, namely those men often text items of information whereas women and girls often write longer chatty texts including emotional content. From the questionnaire distribution, 15 female and 15 male in Keningau and ApinApin area are chosen to answer the questionnaire. The result shows that female are more often use SMS than make a call. Male mostly prefer to make a call rather SMS because of lack of time and slow typing speed. It was supported by Hopeton and Leith (2007) that women tend to send more SMS text messages than men.

In 2008, Wood, Plester and Bowyer whom began a cross-lagged longitudinal study with 63 children aged 8-12 years to further understand the texting-literacy relationship. Again, the initial results indicate that use of textisms is positively related to the development of subsequent reading and phonological awareness. This study measured for direction of association, with the results suggesting that the previously observed positive associations between literacy and textism use are attributable to textism use driving (either directly or indirectly) reading attainment, rather than literacy attainment leading to an increased likelihood of textism use when constructing text messages. In other words: It is not simply the case that 'good readers are good textism users'.

In terms of SMS usage by age, respondents aged 15-30 years old are likely to use SMS and interpret SMS into short form language. The youngster even creative and make their own language. Respondents aged 31 more than 40 years old are less likely to use SMS to communicate and use the full sentence when SMS. In other words, Younger respondents are far more active users of SMS text messaging than older respondents.

OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

Most complaint from the elderly are related to displays that are too small and difficult to see, buttons and characters that are too small causing them to push wrong numbers frequently. They also avoid using more complex function, non user-friendly menu arrangement and unclear instruction on how to find and use a certain function and services that are too expensive. It was supported by past research, which indicates that older people seem to be the neglected user group in the design of mobile phone devices and services. (Mohd Hairul Nizam & Hazrina, 2008)

2.2 2.3

THE SAMPLE INTRUMENTATION

2.3.1 SURVERY QUESTIONNAIRE 30 respondents aged from 18- more than 40 years old took part in the study. They were given ten questions as below and hereby I provide the sample that answered by one of the respondent. A. Background information Instruction: Circle one only 1. Age: a. 15-20 b. 21-25 c. 26-30 d. 31-35 e. 36-40 f. more

than 40 years old. (circle one only) 2. Ethnic : Kadazan 3. Gender : Your mother tounge: bahasa Kadazan

Male Female (circle one)

B. Sms Activities Instruction : we highly appreciate it if you could provide us some feedback on this quick survey. Please respond to the following statements by circling the appropriate option in the box. Do not write your name. Thank you for your cooperation. 4. Do you have a mobile phone (mobile phone)? 5. Do you SMS? 6. When you used SMS, did you shorten up the
8 Yes Yes Yes No No No Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable

OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

words, abbreviate the words or chunk the words?

7. Did you shorten up Bahasa Melayu words in

your SMS?

Yes

No

Not Applicable

8. Did you shorten up Mother tongue words in

SMS?

Yes

No

Not Applicable

9. Did you shorten up English words in SMS? 10. Did you SMS in other language(s)? 11. If yes, name the language (s)............................ 12. Did you mix up more than one language in your
SMS? a. If Yes, name the language(s)...........................

Yes Yes

No No

Not Applicable Not Applicable

Yes

No

Not Applicable

13. Will SMS help to revive your mother tongue

language?

Yes

No

Not Applicable

Table 1.1 SMS activities C. Sms Abbreviations Instruction: How Could you shorten up the following words in SMS? Or how would you SMS the following expressions? Expressions how are you? Good Morning I will call you Breakfast I love you Do you want to come with me? He had an accident last night nokolabus Dia kmlgn semlm Mother tounge Nunu habar? Kpsangn Telipunai oku dya Kano mangakan Muhang oku diya Tumanud koh? Bahasa pa kbar? Mat pagi Sya tepon ko nti Jum srpn pgi Syg ko Mo ikut ka? English How r u? Gut mrng I wil col u Bekfast Lov u. Do u wnt 2 cme wif me? He hd an xcdnt last nite

OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

D. Agree or Disagree Instruction: circle one only Do you think shortening up words in SMS will corrupt your language? Yes Optional for respondents to answer. Why did you say YES? In what way SMS corrupt the language? Why did you say NO? Please provide answers in point forms. Use the back of the page to write your responses. or No

As a result, the researchers noted the following features of the text messages: most of the respondent answered yes of shortening up the words to improve the speed and length of a text message. Another factor is because only about 160 characters are allowed in one text message and also the charge per SMS. Some mixing languages such as Dusun and English are mostly used in SMS. i.e kol (call) sepa(siapa) l8(late) nu (apa) As a conclusion the text message has been shorten and concise. Abbreviations allow whole phrases to be condensed into one word. 2.4 Ethnic KADAZAN MURUT BAJAU CHINESE Analysis of Data MALE 8 2 1 2 % 26.66 6.66 3.33 6.66 FEMALE 14 3 0 2 % 46.66 10 0 6.66

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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION
50 40 30 20 10 0 MALE % FEMALE % KADAZAN MURUT BAJAU CHINESE

3.0 3.1

FINDINGS, DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION INTRODUCTION

There was no evidence that use of SMS abbreviation had a negative effect on respondent's ability to learn and use conventional spellings. In fact, youngsters who communicate through messages show proof that they understand exactly how oral constructions are built in the Bahasa and English language. It was supported by a research team from University of Toronto has found that teenagers especially, while using the messaging (SMS) language, are in fact showing their mastery of both formal and informal language. They are not losing touch of what they learn in English classes. 3.2 Findings and Discussions

Since sending SMS messages can be time-consuming due to the troublesome text entry on mobile phones, SMS users employed text devices such as single letters, digits, abbreviation, and acronyms to replace words. A lot of words were shortened and combined with numbers. Grammar, punctuation and capitalization were largely ignored. These devices seem to have developed as a natural reaction to the 160-character limit of the service to overcome the shortcomings of SMS as a means of communication. Text messages were in the form of greetings, invitations, congratulations, jokes, questions, etc. While a few of them were in full words and sentences, many others were as economical as possible.
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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

3.3

Implications of Research Findings

As the finding of this study shows, a new variety of the written language is evolving in response to the increased use of the electronic means of communication such SMS. Along with advancements in electronic communications, changes in what and how respondents write seem quite natural. Depending on the degree of our adherence to the conventions of formal writing, these changes may seem positive or negative. Therefore, some of the implications of this study are discussed here. First, standard spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are some of the characteristics of the normal written language. It goes without saying that SMS is used for speed communication in which the occasional error may slip by, but the cap key, for example, is not just for decoration. When the writer sends an SMS full of abbreviations and acronyms for the sake of brevity and convenience without thinking about the position of the receivers, it is difficult for them not to assume the sender is lazy. Naturally, they will not take the sender seriously. The rules for electronic communication are the same as for any professional dealings. If the writer acts professional, people will see him/her as professional. If it is not important enough for the writer to make sure the message looks professional, it is not important enough for the receivers to read it.

Second, it is understandable that SMS users are in hurry nowadays, but can they ignore the importance of Proofreading? Is there any excuse for grammatical mistakes, which sometimes drive people nuts? They are judged by the quality of their writing. Their bad writing makes people look down on them. The inclusion of thanks, greetings, punctuation, capitalization and grammar will add to the credibility of the author while their omission to save a few precious seconds will show little respect for the reader.

Third, the content analysis of the composition of the SMS language used in this study shows the development of language short forms in SMS communication, which retain both written and spoken language characteristics. Speech and writing can be described both in terms of the production and reception contexts (Hughes, 1996). It is understandable that SMS users make use of linguistic short-cuts applying the properties of both written and spoken language to the
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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

less formal language used in text messages, but the conventions of politeness and formality often remain necessary. What needs to be emphasized here is that the use or overuse of abbreviations, acronyms, linguistic short-cuts, capitalization and punctuation should be based on the relationship of the sender and receiver of the message.

Some respondent disagree SMS corrupting our national language and some agreed that SMS really destroy our language. SMS to be said corrupting national language as it become so powerful that it has started to affect the writing styles of many students around the nation. The mutilation of what many believe to be the proper form of speaking Bahasa has become so widespread that a lot of educators are becoming concerned that students are missing out on the basics because of this phenomenon. A lot of people have become concerned that the quality of Bahasa and English in most schools has gone down considerably because of it. The most common SMS language used such as U (you), dnt (do not), x (tidak), sa (saya) etc. Mixing Bahasa with English also becomes critical as people nowadays like to mix the language neither writing nor communication. However some people disagreed with this statement because they believe SMS help communication to send fast and short. The spoken and written are not affected by the SMS language as they believe that when they shorten the message it show that they are really know the conventional words and shorten it by following the rhythm and meaning.

3.4

Recommendations

Based on my findings I would like to give some recommendations or suggestions to all users to be very careful with their style in writing their SMS using their phone. As for me is better to use full text rather than use abbreviations such like breakfast become bekpes. In order to demolished this habit all phones users should bear in their mind that the way they use their phone language will buried any languages in the world especially English language which is the International Language. Other than that, Celcom, Digi, or any other mobile telecommunications in Malaysia add their texting limit in SMS to make sure all the
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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

abbreviations used SMS texting reduced. As for me any efforts to save our mother tongue will never success if there is no cooperation between government, non-government, all users itself. As for that we should think properly and use the technology wisely to make sure not only the international language which is English Language, Malay, Dusun, or any other languages in the world corrupted.

3.5

Conculsion

This study challenged the assumption that language is deteriorating because of increased use in electronic communication. Contrary to this assumption and regardless of the linguistic and non-linguistic problems observed in the analyzed SMS messages, results suggest that language use is adapted creatively to the particular needs of the electronic age. A number of linguistic features and strategies used by the SMS writers such as abbreviations, spoken-like spelling, less attention to punctuation and capitalization, as well as syntactical and lexical reductions were well suited to the conditions of electric communication to reduce space, time and effort.

If we were serious about preserving the written tradition of our language, rather than complaining about the pitiful state of peoples writing we should seriously consider revising the ridiculous way we spell our words so that spelling more accurately reflects pronunciation. By so doing, text language would remain in its place where it is useful, and not spill over into other areas of written language.

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OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ERICK PILLIN (84102612569301)

REFERENCES Module OUMH1203 (2008). English For Written Communication. Meteor Doc. Sdn. Bhd.
Beverly,P.,Clare, W.,& Puja,J. (2009). Exploring the relationship between children's knowledge of text message abbreviations and school literacy outcomes. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, Volume 27, Number 1, March 2009 , pp. 145-161(17)

Hughes, R. (1996). English in speech and writing: Investigating language and literature . London: Routledge.

Humphrys, J. (2007). I h8 txt msgs: How texting is wrecking our language. Daily Mail, September 24. Retrieved July, 2010, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-483511/I-h8-txtmsgsHow-texting-wrecking-language.html. Leake, J. (2008). Texting boosts childrens literacy ; -) The Sunday Times, May 25. Retrieved July, 2010, from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/education/article3998970.ece.

McGuigan (2003). What is SMS?. Retrieved July, 2010 from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sms.htm Mohd Hairul NIzam, H. N. (2008). The use of Mobile Phones by Elderly: A study in Malaysia Perspective. Journal of Social Science , 4 (2), 123-127. Sulaiman, A., & Zolait, A. H. (2010). Adoption of Short MessageService (SMS) in Malaysia. International Journal of Technology Diffusion (IJTD) , 1 (1), 41-51.

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