EDITORIAL - There is no fighting "jejemon"

The Department of Education is alarmed by the rise of “jejemon” use among Filipinos. To those unfamiliar with the term, “jejemon” refers to the improvised spelling of words, usually in text messages.

But while the DepEd is right to be alarmed, it is doubtful if it can do anything to stop it. “Jejemon” has simply evolved with the world, and while it may be a bad manifestation of such an evolution, it is a problem that has become too big for the DepEd to do anything about.

And that is precisely because the evolution of language has never been, and never will be, a matter that falls under the ambit of the DepEd, its policies on language notwithstanding. There is simply no dictating people on how they wish to communicate.

The DepEd can lay down precise requirements toward attaining language skills. It can even impose parameters in speaking and articulating them. But the authority of the DepEd ends right at the gates of a school.

Once a student, or teacher for that matter, steps out of the big world out there, there is no more curtailing his rights as a citizen to speak how he wishes, in any manner that he desires, short of it being a criminal offense to do so.

But no such criminal offense exists, other than those that violate oral defamation and libel laws. If a citizen chooses to use “jejemon” in communicating with his peers, there is scant anything that the DepEd can do about it.

As there is no stopping or prosecuting the use of “jejemon” among, but not exactly limited to, the young, the option left open for the DepEd is merely to strengthen its programs on proper communicating, with the use of proper and precise language.

But then again, without interventionist and confiscatory powers, the DepEd is best left to using its powers of persuasion, even if, admittedly, they may be of little effect and consequence.

Thus the DepEd had better let go. Let the darn thing to itself. Who knows it may choke on its own worthlessness beyond facility and convenience. After all, there is still a lot to be thankful for, such as that all formal communication will remain formal and staid for a long time.