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Ask-A-Linguist - Message details
Subject: Is Twitter destroying the English language?
Question:
Dear linguists,

My name is Vy. Some people says that twitter, along with instant message and text message is destroying the ability to use correct grammar of people who speak English. However, some say that it is such a ridiculous idea because people are born with grammar and nothing can take it away from us. So, what do you think about the effect of Twitter on the English language?

Thanks,
Vy

Reply:
When writing was first invented 6000 or so years ago, I expect people thought it would destroy people's memories and degrade the language! Every new way of using language brings some new conventions with it, but they add to the possibilities of language and don't destroy.

Anthea

Reply From: Anthea Fraser Gupta    click here to access email
Date: Aug-09-2009
Other Replies:
  1. Re: Is Twitter destroying the English language? Joseph F Foster    (Aug-10-2009)
  2. Re: Is Twitter destroying the English language? Elizabeth J Pyatt    (Aug-10-2009)
  3. Re: Is Twitter destroying the English language? Susan Fischer    (Aug-09-2009)
  4. Re: Is Twitter destroying the English language? Charley Rowe    (Aug-09-2009)
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Page Updated: 28-Nov-2009

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