Are we bloggers here just to observe and comment passively on the degeneration of the spoken word? Or are we committed to some sort of action or intervention on the matter? Shall we be so presumptuous as to be the self-appointed guardians of the language? If so, how do we go about acting in that capacity?
Is it polite to correct someone's English in mid-sentence? Or inform them of their insistent abuse of the word 'like'? Do we do this only with dear friends who will tolerate our fussiness about the spoken word? Or do we dare take corrective measures with any passer-by with whom we happen to strike up a conversation (thus risking a broken jaw or the possibility of developing a new friendship?
Short of arming ourselves with a copy of Strunk and White and policing the street corners for grammatical infringements, how will we take on the responsibility implied by this blog? I think it would be both outright rude and futile to try to change someone's ingrained speech habits from a one-time or occasional encounter.
Now, THAT's American too - "presumptious, polite, rude"! Don't you see how in being overly politically correct, no-criticism, no-child-left-behiond, if-you-have-nothing-positive-to-say-don't-say-anything, the Americans are going back to the monkeys? Any cultural progress or development requires a separation of values into "good" and "bad", into "noble" and "vulgar".
I believe the best way we can take positive action is to lead by example with our own speech and to comment generally, rather than criticize individuals. For example, I have posted comments on my own blog (businessinwashington.com) regarding Liketalk. My comments are offered from a business perspective since those afflicted with Liketalk disease need to consider how they sound to a potential employer.
There is no reason to be openly disdainful or nasty, but we do need to speak up and make our thoughts on the disintegration of the magnificent English language known. Blogs are certainly a great place to begin!
I've written plays, songs, sonatas, and dozens of art reviews; My professional career is in music. I've been observing, writing and editing English since I was a boy, but now I've got to do more than just observe -- because the language is sick and in need of a DOCTOR...
3 comments:
Are we bloggers here just to observe and comment passively on the degeneration of the spoken word? Or are we committed to some sort of action or intervention on the matter? Shall we be so presumptuous as to be the self-appointed guardians of the language? If so, how do we go about acting in that capacity?
Is it polite to correct someone's English in mid-sentence? Or inform them of their insistent abuse of the word 'like'? Do we do this only with dear friends who will tolerate our fussiness about the spoken word? Or do we dare take corrective measures with any passer-by with whom we happen to strike up a conversation (thus risking a broken jaw or the possibility of developing a new friendship?
Short of arming ourselves with a copy of Strunk and White and policing the street corners for grammatical infringements, how will we take on the responsibility implied by this blog? I think it would be both outright rude and futile to try to change someone's ingrained speech habits from a one-time or occasional encounter.
So what do you suggest?
Now, THAT's American too - "presumptious, polite, rude"! Don't you see how in being overly politically correct, no-criticism, no-child-left-behiond, if-you-have-nothing-positive-to-say-don't-say-anything, the Americans are going back to the monkeys? Any cultural progress or development requires a separation of values into "good" and "bad", into "noble" and "vulgar".
I believe the best way we can take positive action is to lead by example with our own speech and to comment generally, rather than criticize individuals. For example, I have posted comments on my own blog (businessinwashington.com) regarding Liketalk. My comments are offered from a business perspective since those afflicted with Liketalk disease need to consider how they sound to a potential employer.
There is no reason to be openly disdainful or nasty, but we do need to speak up and make our thoughts on the disintegration of the magnificent English language known. Blogs are certainly a great place to begin!
Post a Comment