SINGAPORE : The frequent use of SMS abbreviations has affected the written language of Singapore youth.
A survey by students of the Singapore Polytechnic shows the majority of the 800 youths interviewed use SMS abbreviations on chatlines, forums, to take notes and write e-mail.
The survey was conducted in August and September by second year Media and Communications students of the polytechnic's School of Business, and covered the topic of Singapore Youth and their Mobile lifestyles.
Nora Melissa, project team member, said, "78 percent of our respondents said that they were affected by SMS abbreviations and it affected their regular work and the things that they do, because they are so used to SMS lingo every time they communicate with their peers."
Nastasha Gotangco, project team member, added, "Sometimes, when we do our work on the computer, we are not very conscious of what we do and it's just by habit that we use the abbreviations."
One student noted, "I have been affected once or twice because I use it so often that it has become a habit for me. So sometimes I use it in my work as well."
Another commented, "I use the SMS everyday. So sometimes I use them in my homework or schoolwork."
V Maheantharan, Director, School of Business, "We do set aside a percentage in the assessment for use of correct proper English. About 10 to 20 percent, depending on the subject."
Fortunately, according to the survey, only about 10 percent use SMS abbreviations in their homework and for writing reports.
The survey also shows one in two using their handphones for text messaging.
33 percent send about 300 to 600 SMSes a month.
More than half started carrying a mobile phone between the ages of 15 and 19. - CNA