SMS language is English language slang, used as a means of
mobile phone text messaging. This practice may impact on
the written language skills of learners at school. The main aim
of this study was to determine the perspectives of Grade 8
and 9 English (as Home Language) educators in Gauteng
regarding the possible influence of SMS language on certain
aspects of learners’ written language skills. If an influence
was perceived by the educators, their perceptions regarding
the degree and nature of the influence were also explored. A
quantitative research design, utilising a questionnaire, was
employed. The sample of participants comprised 22
educators employed at independent secondary schools within
Gauteng, South Africa. The results indicated that the majority
of educators viewed SMS language as having a negative
influence on the written language skills of Grade 8 and 9
learners. The influence was perceived as occurring in the
learners’ spelling, punctuation, and sentence length. A further
finding was that the majority of educators address the
negative influences of SMS language when encountered in
written tasks.

doi: 10.15700/saje.v31n4a370