With the dawn of the digital age and applications such as Facebook and Twitter that allow for a relaxed approach to spelling and grammar, the question “how important is correct spelling?” must be asked.
Piet Holtzhausen believes that if a language is important to you, then correct spelling will be important too. “I dislike WhatsApp language.” His grandson, Luan van der Berg (10) says spelling is important as you need to spell correctly when you are an adult.
POLOKWANE – Imagine receiving texts such as the following: “Oh i thot it was generalising all ethics”, or “Oryt i thot you knw her anyway do u mind me geting to knw you beter”.
While younger generations are used to this form of communication, some of us may find it hard to figure out what is being said. Review spoke to residents to find out if they think it is still important to write correctly.
Koketso Moshapu (17) says spelling is important of you want to avoid misunderstandings.: Harry Strausse says that spelling is important. “When I was in school I learned that we have to keep our language pure and not mix it. If you speak Afrikaans, keep it Afrikaans and the same with English.”Thabang Mashao feels that it depends on the situation. “If you write a formal letter to apply to university or for work then you need to have the correct spelling, but if it is conversational, then spelling does not matter.”Velencia Southon (17) believes spelling is important as it determines how words are pronounced. “If it is spelled correctly you will most likely be able to pronounce it correctly.”Dioné Cilliers (17) agrees with Koketso, saying if you cannot spell correctly, you will be misunderstood.
