Text Messaging Practices and Their Effect on Spelling Accuracy: A Case Study of First-Year Undergraduates at Omdurman Ahlia University

الملخص

This study examines the relationship between texting practices and spelling
accuracy, how texting habits especially the use of abbreviated forms (textisms) has
direct effect on students‘ standard spelling abilities among students at Omdurman
Ahliah University. Critics often argue that texting shortcuts like ―u‖ for ―you‖ or
―2nite‖ for ―tonight‖ may weaken formal spelling by encouraging careless writing
habits. The sample of this study included the students at Omdurman Ahliah
University (PYP) students. A questionnaire has been utilized as a tool for collecting
data. The results of this study showed that brief exposure to textisms among
students did not reduce /or produce negative effect on spelling test performance.
Another result showed that students showed no weaknesses in literacy, and textisms
use was positively correlated with improved spelling performance. Based on the
results above . The study recommended, first, spelling and punctuation should be
very important in a written language and it is advisable to know the correct place of
punctuation in a sentence. Secondly, grammar should be taught and it should be
taken care of in students text writings.