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I am interested in Facebook - minister

18/08/2012 00:00:00 Zinhle Mkhari

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MBABANE – The Minister of Education Wilson Ntshangase said he would be on Facebook if he was assisted to join the social network.

The minister, referring to himself as an old guy, said he was interested in joining the social network only if he learnt more about using social networks.

The Minister was interviewed on the negative effects that have been brought about by social networks on pupils. "It is a pity that not much can be done to control communication in social networks because how these young people communicate is the bone of contention in the conversation we are having right now. I am an ‘old guy’ myself, I do not know much about these social networks, but I would definitely be interested in knowing more about it if I could just find someone to teach me," said the Minister.

It seems that not only is the siSwati language heading for extinction, but the English language is also slowly losing its roots with the ‘in’ slang acronyms the youth uses as a means of communication nowadays.

On a lighter note, this evolution has made communication easier, faster and convenient for the general population, especially the youth. However, it has its downfall as people who spend a lot of time on the internet tend to find themselves ‘addicted’ to this new language ruling the streets.

Stick to formal English, minister warns pupils

MBABANE - The Minister of Education, Wilson Ntshangase, slammed social networks as he says they are the reason why pupils have difficulty with the written English language.

"The youth is influenced by these social networks. They get used to them so much that they end up writing improper English in class, which lowers their grades.

"These children should learn to leave this informal language outside the classroom and switch to formal English language the minute they get inside a classroom," said the minister.

He further added that it is wrong to use informal language in a formal setting like a classroom as it will lead to their loss of marks in certain aspects of their education if they apply what they learn in social networks in the classroom.

Ntsangase emphasised the importance of writing in full in the classroom as he said most schools are very strict when it comes to such issues and thus it is important for pupils to take extra caution when it comes to the written language.

COMMENTS:

- There is what is called CHANGE, we cant stand in the way of change, whether we like it or we don't. Wilson must adapt or become irrelevant.
August 18, 2012, 11:43 am, mazondimfingo (dlaminifg@illovo.co.za)