Factors Leading to Spelling Change of English Language Words on Whatsapp

Abstract

Purpose: This paper discusses the findings of a research study that sought to investigate the factors that lead to the change of spelling for some English language words by WhatsApp users in Botswana. The investigation was informed by some unconventional spelling of some words in the English language, which otherwise would seem easy to spell. Although writers on social media platforms do not have to conform to standard language rules, some nonstandard forms of spelling similar to those collected from the chat groups, have now evidenced to be cropping in the academic writing. Methodology:  Data were collected from WhatsApp chat groups. The chat groups comprised of young (university class groups) and a mixture of young and middle aged (in church, social and family groups) users. Daily observations and documentations of strikingly modified spellings of words on WhatsApp were done over a period of 12 months. The Content Analysis data collection method was employed to collect data from a set of written texts on WhatsApp chat groups mentioned.  Findings: The findings of the study unearthed a metamorphosis and alterations of words, replacement of /s/ with /z/, excision of some letters in the  normal spelling of some words and substitution of letters with numbers. Factors such as being innovative, wanting to belong and speed of typing a text message amid the hype of everyday life, were realized. Recommendations: It is hoped that the paper will influence social media users, particularly students, to be spelling sensitive and conform to standard rules when they write in more formal platforms such as school assignments.