Students using SMS language in examinations, complain schools

Pinky Gupta, SNS, Kolkata, 18 August 2014: Lingo, short messaging services and jargons frequently used in the social media space by net savvy students have made their way into the answer sheets and class assignments of school students.

The 'SMS' language normally saves the users time and the usage of such words in the social media platforms~ Facebook, Whatsapp and other social networking sites that are frequently used by the students has not stopped them in using the same words in their answer scripts and class assignments.

The schools, however, are pretty strict towards the students using these words in their formal English language exercises. "Students have to understand when and where to use which word. We will not be able to stop them for using these words but we need to tell them that the use of SMS language is strictly prohibited in the formal English language," said Ms Anjana Saha, principal, Mahadevi Birla World Academy. She further added that the students are being penalised for using these words in their answer scripts.

The SMS language has taken a toll on the English language particularly the written words.

Teachers are aware that the students use SMS shorthand subconsciously. The rampant use of these words has affected the ability of the students to learn the language in its correct format. Teachers are worried that soon the students might not know the correct spelling of words.

At lower level classes when the habit of using shortened forms of various words and phrases is pointed out, rectification is done accordingly. "Sometimes these problems occur in class assignments but we take them seriously at that level and make sure that the student does not repeat this," said a senior teacher, St. Xavier's Collegiate School.

Sometimes it is difficult to rectify the children when such language finds its way into the examinations.

'You' has been shortened down to 'u', 'before ' has been squeezed to 'b4', even three letters word 'Are' has been reduced to 'r', ‘thx’ for ‘thank you’, ‘BTW’ for ‘by the way’ are some of the words used largely while writing. Teachers report that it is now widely used in lessons, essays and coursework.

On the other hand with the continuous use of formal language while using social network sites one can get away from these habits. By using the full form of words, the youth, especially children can be cured of this habit, said Mr Abhishek Hansa, department of applied psychologist, Calcutta University.