IS THE LANGUAGE USED IN SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECTING TEXTUAL LANGUAGE VIS A VIS SPOKEN LANGUAGE?: STUDYING THE IMPACT OF ACRONYMS ON LANGUAGE USAGE

Abstract

This study aims to trace or establish a neutral point that excess amount of digitalization has tampered the standard language or human beings are once again heading toward an evolution of new form of youth language which will carry within it the germs of Acronyms, breeding into a new form of language. Though CMC computer mediated communication, and teaching through it has been there in English Language Teaching since long time. But recently the development in the fields of technology, has begun to take its toll on the language (master) of youngsters altering their word usage in spoken & written form. The internet and its shortcut language have an adverse effect on young learners as per many linguists. But on the contrary a fact cannot be denied that the usage of textese or acronyms are absolutely personal and context based. My research will try to delve into, whether this increasing trend of using Textese in WhatsApp is altering or having an adverse effect on language? Turning it into an abbreviated form or rather it’s just another stereotypical notion against a new invention. Also, my study will include that WhatsApp usage and its influence on the younger generations as to the excess usage of Textese hampering their ability to learn the textual language or the inability to communicate in a standard language as said by, Humphry’s and Sutherland. Finally, I will conclude that linguistic feature of WhatsApp is different from that of other social media or how ICT has now become an important part of communication, making the social media active in language development, also some of the faltering elements that WhatsApp has inflicted on the textual or standard language.