ICT and the English Language: The Defective Impact of Text Messaging and E-Mailing

Abstract

This paper examined the various innovations occasioned by the global study of English language and observed the challenges posed to effective writing by products of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) such as the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and E-mail. In what seems like a ‘method in madness’, the paper identified an emerging written language of the E-mail and (GSM) via the Iexemes, morphemes, syntax and mechanics of punctuations (capitalization and spacing), and use of symbols in sampled messages written in English in the Short Message Service (SMS) and E-mail. Despite the advantages of electronic-English, it introduces many problems. Among these are: arbitrary use of affixation, consequent difficulties with well-formed sentences as well as with mechanics. Most importantly, there is the overall chaotic effect of these coinages. The paper called on writers using the English medium to strive to stick to the original and keep the written language of E-mail and GMS out of formal writing so that it will not lead to the extinction of formal writing.

Key Words: ICT, text-messaging, GSM, E-mailing, and Internet