Experts state that language is a constantly changing and living entity, and socio-cultural, geographical, financial, and technological factors constitute the main reasons for changes in language.
According to research, abbreviations, slang, and jargon used in written language can particularly weaken the reading and writing skills of new generations, says Selçuk Duman, Lecturer and Director of ÜSTÖMER. “However, as educators, we observe language deformations such as incorrect spelling and expression errors in our youth's written and oral expressions.” he added.
Selçuk Duman, Lecturer and Director of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Turkish Language Teaching Application and Research Center (ÜSTÖMER), evaluated the new generation's language use and language deformation.
“Language is a constantly changing and living entity”
Regarding language change, Lecturer Selçuk Duman stated, “Language is a constantly changing and living entity. Socio-cultural, geographical, financial, and technological factors constitute the main reasons for changes in language.” He explained that with the development of social media and digital communication channels, especially since the early 2000s, the interactions among world societies have intensified, leading to certain changes in our culture and our language, which is its most important carrier.
Duman also stated that the widespread use of numerous informal abbreviations like ''tmm'' (okay), ''nbr'' (what's up), ''tşk'' (thanks) by omitting vowels in the unofficial correspondence of the younger population, frequent use of foreign-origin words, and increasing reliance on emoji figures continue. He said, “The virtual environment has opened up an area conducive to the degeneration of our Turkish language.”
Abbreviations, slang, and jargon weaken the reading and writing skills of new generations…
Lecturer Selçuk Duman stated that slang, jargon, and especially the use of abbreviations are seen as methods employed by the youth of our fast-paced era to use the shortest path to achieve communication goals and express their intentions impressively. He said, “We can, of course, see this as a form of expression manifesting as a result of cultural interactions. Abbreviations and internet slang can make online communication more convenient for us. However, the linguistic reflections of such forms of expression can leave negative effects, especially in the long term. According to research, abbreviations, slang, and jargon used in written language can particularly pave the way for weakening the reading and writing skills of new generations. Nevertheless, as educators, we observe language deformations such as incorrect spelling and expression errors in our youth's written and oral expressions.”
“The style of everyday language is more intimate and warm”
Selçuk Duman, Lecturer and Director of ÜSTÖMER, noting that academic and everyday language use are forms of language use with different qualities, continued as follows:
“Academic language is used in scientific, technical, legal, and literary texts. This language uses scientific and technical terms not commonly used in daily life. It is more objective and impersonal. Sentence structures in this language are more complex and longer. The style is formal. Everyday language, on the other hand, is the spoken language we use in our daily lives. Everyday language has shorter sentence structures. It is a more subjective and personal language. Its use is widespread, and simple words are used in this language. The style is more intimate and warm. The language of education is in continuous and rapid development. As education and science develop, new words corresponding to new concepts are added to our language. The development of daily communication language is more limited, and this development progresses in proportion to society's capacity.”
“As Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca expressed, we must rightfully hand over 'our sound flag, Turkish' to future generations.”
Selçuk Duman, Lecturer and Director of ÜSTÖMER, pointing out that language change and development are inevitable due to the nature of language, concluded his words as follows:
“First and foremost, every individual should be raised with the awareness of rightfully handing over this linguistic heritage, 'our sound flag, Turkish,' as poet Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca expressed, to future generations like a relay race. This should be a state policy that needs to be emphasized with sensitivity. Instead of combating the degeneration of language with certain prohibitions, it would be appropriate to raise awareness of options suitable for the preferences of the new generation. This will be achieved by enabling them to discover the riches of our literary and intellectual world through readings and to follow discussions that are follow-ups to these readings.”