Are+Digital+Media+Changing+Language

Colleen Larson

Are Digital Media Changing Language? by Naomi Baron

This article presents the positive and negative effects that digital media has on language. I found it interesting that studies showed that the relative effects that digital media has on traditional language is short. The article also presents that argument of how many use such technology to control conversations and avoid public speaking. The article uses many examples the spelling of many words being changed overtime and that this has been happening long before digital media came along. The attitude that the article presents is if digital media is responsible for the change as well then it is not much different than changes in the past as well.

The article also looks to other reasons that can contribute to the shift in language as well other than digital media. The attitude towards language has gotten to be more relaxed over the years. A reason mentioned to support this idea is that as teacher-directed classroom started to shift and have students become more interactive, the control over language has definitely eased up.

When reading the part of the article that describes how students can use digital media to control a conversation, I was surprised by this seeing I never realized the effect that this has on language skills up until this point. I know I have used my phone as a way to avoid conversations before and am guilty of sending emails to avoid conversations as well. Many students are not developing oral speaking skills because they can use outlets such as texting, social media and email to avoid those situations.

RESPONSE:

Naomi,

I chose to respond to your post because this article caught my attention. You make an interesting point regarding avoiding conversations; on in which I have yet to reflect upon before this. For example, I prefer to email parents of my students than make a phone call. It is more convenient but also helps me avoid a difficult conversation because I can put it in writing instead. I like the benefit of having evidence or tangible proof of our discussion with which to refer back if necessary; however, I must admit it is easier to avoid a difficult conversation by writing about it that saying it to them directly. What do you think? Is this a good or a bad thing?

Thanks for sharing, Jenni LaBrie