Youngsters today dwell not only with their changing environment but also on the changing language.

Language change every so often, that is why even ‘Webster’s Dictionary’ release new volume every now and again. A word that may not exist two years ago can exist today. Words such as: hoodie, Selfie, Twerking, etc.

In the past years there are so many short living language trends that boomed in Philippines. There’s ‘bekkimon’, Jejemon, On-line short cuts and just recently the so called ‘Conio’.

            These types of language are called ‘informal language’ mostly teenagers use these because of some sort of drift or because these is the “IN’ in their peers. Due to the ‘Internet’, ‘social networking sites’ and other high-tech means of socializing a small trend can turn to a vast wild fire crating national after affect.

            Many studies showed that teens (age 13 to 17) most likely are under the impression that they do not belong. Their young minds are in the middle of transition from child to adult. And at these years they are venerable to changes. At this stage they do not know what is for their better or what’s going to be harmful for them. They mindlessly follow what the majority are doing thinking that if many does it; then it is good for them.

            Some informal languages are not what you can actually call ‘wholesome’. Others are way beyond a child can actually understand. This is where it affects them grandly. They change the child’s attitude and their behavior toward people. Affecting not only their relationship with the people around them ―mostly family― but also their capability in learning, thus affecting their performance in school.

            As teachers it’s our responsibly to help them cope with those changes.

            We could also try to learn the language ourselves for the sake of understanding them more. This way they would know that they do not need to follow the ‘uso’ to be accepted. We don’t necessarily need to use it ourselves. we just need the correct incite on the said language in order to point out to them what are the disadvantages and if there is any, the benefits of the language.

            But most of all, we should make them see that trend like such dies as soon as it is born, give and take a few months. Meaning they should not burry themselves in it.

By: Medori Laxamana | Teacher III | Lucanin Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan