The Devolution of English
I'll admit it. I misuse the English language sometimes. I occasionally puncture my e-mails with "gonnas" and "haftas." But by the same token, I don't think that the ambalance will supposably orientate itself in case of a mergency.
Some people would tell you that I'm just a snob when it comes to the use of proper English. As if my being a lawyer wasn't enough to make some people hate me outright. My argument, however, is that I KNOW the difference between the short cuts I use and "The Queen's English." Even though I'm a 'merican, I can choose whether to speak American or English, right?
Well, apparently the devolution of the English language is not occurring just in United States. A recent survey of teachers in the UK revealed that two-thirds of the test takers made basic mistakes regarding the placement of apostrophes, while 8 percent couldn't get the use of I and ME straight.
This is just plain sad. Am I being too harsh? Is it just a reality that our language will devolve into some bastard form of its original self? Will I, one day, listen to my grandchildren and wonder what the hell they're saying (minus the whole potential for needing a hearing aid, of course)?
Apparently we can't trust all of our teachers to TEACH our children the fundamentals. So, that leaves the blame with us for not making it a priority in our own lives.
I guess I'm not gonna take it any more. I guess it's going to be a long road ahead.
P.S. If you want to test your own knowledge, there's a link in the article to 10 of the questions asked of these teachers. Take the test before you read the full article, though, as the article contains some spoilers. I'm proud to say I got 10 out of 10.
Some people would tell you that I'm just a snob when it comes to the use of proper English. As if my being a lawyer wasn't enough to make some people hate me outright. My argument, however, is that I KNOW the difference between the short cuts I use and "The Queen's English." Even though I'm a 'merican, I can choose whether to speak American or English, right?
Well, apparently the devolution of the English language is not occurring just in United States. A recent survey of teachers in the UK revealed that two-thirds of the test takers made basic mistakes regarding the placement of apostrophes, while 8 percent couldn't get the use of I and ME straight.
This is just plain sad. Am I being too harsh? Is it just a reality that our language will devolve into some bastard form of its original self? Will I, one day, listen to my grandchildren and wonder what the hell they're saying (minus the whole potential for needing a hearing aid, of course)?
Apparently we can't trust all of our teachers to TEACH our children the fundamentals. So, that leaves the blame with us for not making it a priority in our own lives.
I guess I'm not gonna take it any more. I guess it's going to be a long road ahead.
P.S. If you want to test your own knowledge, there's a link in the article to 10 of the questions asked of these teachers. Take the test before you read the full article, though, as the article contains some spoilers. I'm proud to say I got 10 out of 10.
You were poisoned by Curare_Z at 1:18 PM
11 Death Spasms:
Me thinks this was one of the bestest posts I have ever read. Oh, wait.
You and me speak prettily. Peace out.
-- david
Interesting post Curare. I did the test and got 9 correct, but the one I got wrong I was amazed by because I use the terminology all the time.
"70s music was the best". I've been using the apostrophe (70's) forever, so I thank you for teaching me something today.
One thing I really hate is this Text speech that a lot of kids are using in the normal writing environment.
Words like gr8, thx, ppl, u, gf, and many many others. Hate it.
I completely feel you on this matter. It's not easy speaking "our" language. Gnome sane?
WP thinks my use of the english language is terrible, he is always pulling me up on things I say.
For instance I tend to use the word "me" in place of "my" I have always done it, I know lots of fellow Ukers that do too. EG "Where's me bag"
But he always insists that he speaks "American" and gets pissed off if you say its "English".
I let it go now but continue to say things my way. Just as I will always continue to put the "U" in colour, labour and so on.
=)
I missed one. Damn the 70s.
I consider my use of the vernacular a poetic liscence in the vein of Faulkner and Twain. That and I am basically a hick from the sticks.
Great site!
Luv yer wit!
He-he...
I too got 10 out of 10, but I'm an ex-English teacher.
The mis-use of "I" and "me" is even common among very educated people. They need to remember that "me" is used when it's a direct object, like: "He hit me."
I often hear: "He spoke to you and I."
Again, that's incorrect. I is always used as a subject pronoun.
Correct: "He spoke to you and me."
After 20+ years of working with, and around, mostly poorly educated people, I had to practically retrain myself how to speak properly around family and friends. Osmosis can be a bitch...
I don't mind mistakes in emails or blog posts, but I absolutely cannot stand mistakes in something more formal, and that should have been proofread first. Dear lord. I particularly an't stand people who can't be bothered to do their own proofreading or editing before they turn in a story, as you could see from my red pen extravaganza on Monday.
Just passing by Curare. Just wanted to see how you're doing ?
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