An Analysis of Chat Abbreviations and Slangs of the Students of the University of Port Harcourt

Abstract

This paper examines chat abbreviation and slangs of the University of Port Harcourt students. The qualitative research design was used in analyzing the data collected using the descriptive content analysis. The sampling technique adopted in this paper is the purposive sampling technique and source of data for this paper is primarily observations from students of University of Port Harcourt online platforms and social media used by students and interview. The findings of this paper reveal that students of the University of Port Harcourt use single letters, digits and a combination of both to replace words while some of the words are shortened, contracted and clipped. The paper also establishes that the students abbreviate words in order to minimize cost, save time and add style to their writing. The paper further establishes that chat abbreviation and slangs of the University of Port Harcourt students do not follow the rules of grammar of English language since they are composed haphazardly. It was observed that students of University of Port Harcourt do not use their punctuation marks properly in their formal writings. This paper also reveals that chat abbreviations and slangs have affected the proper usage of English language by some of the students of the University of Port Harcourt. This paper recommends that students should become more conscious of the dangers of chat abbreviation in their academics and identify as well as appreciate the appropriate setting in which to use them.