Self–regulation in writing is viewed as critically important in order to be a good writer. With the
advent of cellular telephony, what passes as ‘good’ writing is being challenged with the
introduction of the abbreviated form of SMS (Short Messaging Service) language. The
purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the changes in SMS spelling and
whether or not these changes affected the participants’ spelling age and their ability to write
formally within the context of a formal SMS and the English language class. This study also
aimed to determine whether a relationship exists between self–regulatory skills and writing in
SMS.
A sequential explanatory mixed–method research design was selected in order to address
the research questions which had been posed. The study examined the nature of Short
Messaging Service (SMS) language and the relationship between self–regulation and SMS,
using a dominant quantitative survey design which was followed by a qualitative phase which
explored and explained the phenomena which had been exposed in the quantitative phase of
this study.
The results of this study indicated that SMS language is an abbreviated form of digital
writing, which is colloquial and informal in nature. SMS language is used in SMS text
messages and within the forum of the chatroom MXit. The results also indicated that the
participants in this study use the self–regulatory strategies of goal setting, strategic planning,
self–recording, self–evaluation and self–reaction when writing SMS text messages that are
more formal in nature. Furthermore, no evidence of SMS language could be found in an
analysis of writing portfolios, indicating that SMS language does not affect the academic
writing skills of the participants in this study.
The main conclusion was that although this study was completed on a very small scale and
that it would be inappropriate to generalise, the implementation of and research regarding
the nature of SMS and self–regulation in SMS writing, require attention in order to ensure that
the self–regulatory skills possessed by learners in our schools are used optimally in order to
promote literacy and good writing practices. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Learning and Teaching))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/4937 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Proudfoot, Candice |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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