This is good
It is true that the emergence of texting, Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp has a far-reaching impact on our social spheres. These types of words are not only convenient, but are the fastest way of communication too. To keep pace with this speed, texts are being compressed without losing their essential meaning. Some of these abbreviations became popular and gradually a part of the English language. The primary objective of languages and letters is communication. If the message can be conveyed clearly through abbreviations or slang, then I think it’s okay to use them. The idea of incorporating all these abbreviations alongside the formal dictionary is also a good one. However, there must be a clear distinction between what is formal and informal. Otherwise readers, especially youngsters, will get confused, and that amounts to distortion of information.
From Mr Girish R.
UAE
Don’t change the rules
I don’t think we should be adding online lingo to the dictionary because time is much too short in this modern era. Everyone prefers to go the easy way and to shorten or mash two perfectly regular words together, but this doesn’t make it right. I don’t think this means it should be made as part of the rules for language.
From Mr Kalimullah Khan Asmat
Al Madina, Saudi Arabia
It’s natural
Languages reflect the changing cultural norms and social trends. These days, with smart phones becoming the primary medium of communication amongst the youth, it is quite natural that abbreviated and hybrid words introduced over social media rapidly gain acceptance in the mainstream language. It is said that the only thing constant in this world is change – languages, including English, are no exception to this.
From Ms Amitabh Saxena
UAE
Two dictionaries needed
I think we should have a separate dictionary in this case. Those who prefer traditional styles in writing and speaking can use an old-fashioned dictionary. Those who keep adding new words to their vocabulary can have their own. I don’t want to see a dictionary with ‘d’oh’ in it just because it is a popular reference in the TV show, The Simpsons.
From Ms Sucdi Sanura
UAE
Unanimously defined words
If ‘d’oh’ has been added to the dictionary, ‘meh’ should be as well. They’re both the same type of word. I don’t think words like ‘vlog’ should be added. ‘Selfie’, sure. A lot of other commonly used words can be added too, but I think only if they are unanimously known to have the same definition worldwide.
From Mr Kyle Andrew
Calgary, Canada
More than communication
The English language has been evolving for ages and it has seen many changes in the past century. Vocabulary being part of one’s means of communication, I think it’s absolutely normal for such changes to be accepted. Abbreviations are used by people to easily communicate with their peers when talking and if this means that these words will be appear in the dictionary, why not? So yes, I feel slang words deserve a place in the dictionary. Traditional vocabulary has its own place, but language that makes it easy to communicate should also be taken into consideration. Language is not just means of communication; it represents an experience and a learning process. So, adding nontraditional vocabulary would actually add life to the way we communicate.
From Ms Sumera Malik
UAE
Destroys poetry
No, new abbreviated words have no place in the dictionary! If this continues, we will not be able to write properly. Our children will not learn to write poetry or prose. “Lol my selfie is awesome” does not sound like poetry to me.
From Ms Rita Bardoul-Desender
UAE
Our development
Every word we speak didn’t just appear from nowhere. Be it traditional or nontraditional, people are the ones who developed these words and modified them. So why can’t we add these new words to our vocabulary?
From Mr Mohammad Arshad
Sharjah
Innovative
Language is a tool of communication and although its style and substance are defined by sets of rules, it is customary to find multiple slang alternatives for the same words in different parts of the world. With time, many such words have found a place in dictionaries and the thesaurus. When evolution takes place across the board, languages also find their own course for innovation. The new generation’s trend of shortening words for quick interaction is one such addition, hence it can be used in appropriate places.
From Mr Salim Panthodi
Abu Dhabi
The mode of communication
Slang words should only be used in conversation. The dictionary should be used only for traditional vocabulary; however the opposite has become the trend in modern communication.
From Mr Ragavan Krishnamachary
Bengaluru, India
Keep it sane
Everything has its own place. These new-found words are used for convenience in our fast paced world. Maybe a few slang words can be added to the dictionary, but not all. Let’s keep the dictionary sane. It’s not about tradition, it’s more about what is right and what is incorrect.
From Ms Dilshad Jolly Ahrestani
Dubai
Inconsistent
It doesn’t make sense to add such words to the dictionary. Internet slang is something that will keep changing in its meaning. There isn’t enough consistency yet, with many new words.
From Ms Vishwaa Patne
UAE
Charm in origins
Social media and smart phones have virtually created a new dictionary of slang words and it’s taking a toll on the English language. Frequent usage of abbreviations and online lingo will greatly impact languages. With excessive usage of such words, the new generation will forget the original form of the language. The essence of language and its charm lie in its true and original form. Such words do not deserve any place in the dictionary and should be avoided. More emphasis should be given on traditional vocabulary in order to save the language.
From Mr Aslam Doi
Dubai
Editors’ note: What do you think of including slang words in the dictionary? Is the new generation forgetting traditional language rules and spelling because of a new way of communication? Tell us at readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.
