In the ever-evolving digital landscape of Bangladesh, the pervasive influence of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has become a defining feature of the lives of its teenagers. As these platforms continue to shape the way young Bangladeshis communicate, the impact on their spoken and written Standard English cannot be overlooked. While the effects are nuanced and complex, they demand attention from parents, teachers, and the teenagers themselves.
Positive Impact
Social media, with its dynamic and interactive nature, has provided Bangladeshi teenagers with an unprecedented platform for global exposure and connection. Through these channels, they are able to engage with diverse cultures, perspectives, and linguistic styles, broadening their horizons beyond the local context. This exposure has contributed to a more inclusive and open-minded approach towards language and communication.
Furthermore, the convenience of instant messaging and constant connectivity has enhanced their ability to express themselves freely, fostering creativity and self-expression. This has led to the emergence of a vibrant online community where young Bangladeshis can share their thoughts, ideas, and creativity, promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Negative impact
Conversely, the excessive use of social media has led to a concerning decline in the proficiency of both spoken and written standard English among Bangladeshi teenagers. The prevalence of informal language, abbreviations, and emoticons has seeped into their everyday communication, leading to a blurring of the lines between formal and informal language usage. This phenomenon has been particularly evident in their academic writing and verbal communication, adversely affecting their language skills and academic performance.
Moreover, the widespread exposure to unregulated content on social media has led to the adoption of slang, jargon, and informal expressions, which often deviate from the standard norms of the English language. This deviation poses a challenge in maintaining the integrity of the language and may hinder their prospects in the global academic and professional arenas.
To address these challenges, a collaborative effort is needed. Parents, teachers, and teenagers must work together to promote a balanced approach to social media usage. Encouraging the use of social media as a tool for learning, cultural exchange, and creative expression while emphasizing the importance of maintaining proficiency in formal English is imperative.
Furthermore, fostering a culture of critical thinking and digital literacy can empower teenagers to discern between appropriate and inappropriate language use on social media. Implementing educational programs and workshops that highlight the significance of linguistic diversity and the importance of maintaining proficiency in standard English can play a pivotal role in preserving the linguistic integrity of the younger generation.
Mohammad Serajuddin is a Tesol practitioner, working as an adjunct faculty at Independent University, Bangladesh. He is a former senior faculty at Scholastica, Mirpur campus. Currently, he is working as a PhD researcher on ELT and also teaching at Edification English, Dhanmondi Dhaka
