Why do some people here nitpick others spelling?

Question

You've all seen it, I think- the arrogant 'perfect' type who's first sentence is 'learn to spell' or some such. My question to those people is- WHY? Has it not occured to you that some of them might be from countries where English is not the first language? Moreover, what constructive purpose does it serve and how does it address the original question? I can't help but think that those who attack other people's spelling online are doing so to hide serious confidence problems of their own...

Carrying on, if the question is understandable (IE, you can read it well enough to know what is being asked) then what is the purpose of the 'learn to spell' jibes that are so commonplace here? A GENTLE reminder is fine- but a lot of people seem to prefer the arrogant, aggressive approach, which isn't helpful and distracts from the question.

Answer 1

Because in a written medium, writing is all we see of another's personality.

If a guy I was talking to on the street - no matter how interesting the conversation - suddenly started speaking in a heavy Creole dialect that I couldn't understand, I might mention it. In fact, I'm pretty darned certain that I would mention it!

Typos and spelling errors, IMO, aren't that big a deal, so I don't point them out as a rule. If someone is misusing a word I might ask, "Do you mean thisword? In that case I think . . ." as a way of letting them know politely.

bt i gota tl u dat wen i c a centnc lik dis, i skp d intir post. What is the point of trying to communicate with someone who can't communicate clearly in that language? I figure that if I'm shouting at a deaf person, ~I'm~ the one with the problem.

Personally, I appreciate it when someone corrects my writing ~if~ they do it gently and with a helpful attitude. If they're just playing one-up, I may learn something, but they lose my respect.

Another reason, I think, is that some of us simply love language. Here's something I wrote which shows how I feel:

American English is a beautiful language, though many Brits would laugh at the suggestion. It’s a fluid language, growing and evolving as fast as our upstart country itself. It’s spoken in a symphony of accent, idiom and dialect, sung on street corners and in opera houses, the child of many parents. It takes what it needs from this or that language to round itself out; it’s vibrant and alive.

Of course the spell checker isn't working, so no doubt I've made errors! Ain't it always the way?

Answer 2

I believe if you are going to publicly display a question or would like others to take seriously an answer you type to a question, the words should be spelled correctly, sentences formed properly, and the intent of the phrases placed appropriately so that there is clear understanding.

Those posts on these boards from folks who are looking for work, or asking questions about college courses---while having misspelled 30 % or more of the question -- are open for comment.

The people who are voicing opinions critical to a topic or to another question, are open for comment.

If someone is critical of an opinion, or a point is raised in a question that would convey their disdain about a culture, a political view, or a social order, then I believe the question should be as accurate as possible.

Don't you?

Answer 3

Because some people spell so bad that you can't even read the question. I find it VERY annoying. They put spell check on here for a reason. As far as the people who don't use English as a first language, that's different. But most people just don't feel like typing correctly. I don't mind as long as I can read what they are trying to say.

Answer 4

Personally, I try not to, but when your spelling is such that you can barely make out the question, I think you need a little gentle reminding. Or the spelling is horrible for a question asked by someone looking for homework help.

Answer 5

A simple type-o is no big deal, but sometimes people are so far off that it changes the meaning of what they're saying. If it's worth saying, it's worth taking the time check.

In business spelling and grammatical errors make you seem less intelligent and less capable. If that's how you want to present yourself, go right ahead.

Is it really so hard to hit the 'Check Spelling' button?

Answer 6

i agree with you to a point....but if you are an american where you first language is english you should learn i how to spell ...another thing can be pure laziness..there is a spell check right above this box as i am typing..i guess i just have respect for the people who are going to read this because i will do the spell check just as soon as i am done typing.

Answer 7

It can be annoying,and hard to understand.Someone using u for You,etc. is just being lazy.
A minor error here and there is nothing,it's the one's that barely contain one word in English that bother me.
And there is a spell checker that takes only a few seconds so there isn't really any excuse for it.
I'd hope that when it's really bad,pointing it out might make them want to work on that problem.

Answer 8

In this day and age, it is ridiculous to spell incorrectly. In America, we are fortunate to be able to receive the highest forms of education. It shows lack of respect for ones self. These same people can probably memorize a Top 40 song but cant memorize the spelling of words. Priorities people !!!!

Answer 9

Because, as you've seen in school and then later in life, there will ALWAYS be that one person who feels they are far superior to those around them. They will always have an insecurity they will hide with an aloof and know-it-all behavior. These will be the same people who go out and buy flashy cars when they're 55 because they need to compensate for their own inadequacies.

Answer 10

Some people just need anything they can get to put other people down so they can feel good about themselves. Cuz everything is relative. They want to feel like they are better than you for whatever reason, be it your spelling, skincolor, blue hair, peircings, or whatever. spelling is just a buch of silly rules made up from some guy that felt like controlling people or something.