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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this undergraduate project was to explore the language attitudes of University of Benin students towards Netspeak, a form of language emerging from digital communication platforms. Netspeak encompasses various linguistic features such as acronyms, abbreviations, emoticons, and unconventional spelling commonly used in online and mobile communication. The study aimed to investigate the perceptions, preferences, and concerns of students regarding Netspeak, as well as its potential influence on formal language usage. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather data. The qualitative phase involved interviews with students to gain in-depth insights into their perceptions and attitudes towards Netspeak. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of University of Benin students to collect data on their frequency of Netspeak usage and their views on its appropriateness in various communication contexts. The findings of the investigation revealed a generally positive disposition towards Netspeak among the students, with many acknowledging its convenience and expressiveness in digital communication. However, concerns were also raised regarding its potential impact on formal writing skills and language comprehension. Students expressed a desire for Netspeak to be recognized in academic settings while maintaining the importance of formal language proficiency. Based on the results, the study recommends the integration of Netspeak into the academic curriculum to provide students with a balanced understanding of language usage. Furthermore, the promotion of digital literacy, emphasis on formal writing skills, and open discussions on language diversity are recommended to address the complex interplay between informal digital communication and formal language proficiency.
