english or not?

Question

at one time the english language was the most used language in the world,and those who mastered it were proud to have done so,then along came the internet,mobile phones,and rap,and all of a sudden the kids are talking like american rap artists and talking text language,and at the end of all that the dictionary now includes american mispelling of words,my point being that with all these easy spellings schools still cant get the majority of kids to learn the language,or be proud to be english,whats the answer

Answer 1

To tell you the truth I feel similar to you about English. You can blame alot of the negative changes on the music scene as it exists in Anerica today where rap and hiphop ghetto speak are glorified and forced on our children. Does the pop radio station in your town play much of anything else? MTV is the same way. They have been promoting the image that it's cool to be a gangster and a thug that if you are like them you too can drive a fancy car have a platinum grille( Stupid dental work) and get all the hoes you can handle. But what happens when they go to have a job interview? They blame someone else when they don't get the job cuz da cain't spek or rite propely. English is the language of science and used and taught in more countries then any other language. Even if there are more Chinese,( and they all don't speak the same anyway Mandarin is just one dialect) but even they use English and teach it to their kids. I ageree languages evolve and change but some of the changes in the last 15 to twenty yrs is more detrimental to our society than many realize. Text message short cuts have their place but, I feel they reduce the ability of our children to read proper English. I have a hard time getting my 13yr old daughter to read a book but she'll text and Instan Message all day long if I let her.

Answer 2

The bottom line is that we are evolving from a literate society into an aural society. There are numbers of children who have never read a book for pure pleasure. Indeed, with the advent of television, it became less and less important to know how to read, because it was no longer necesssary to depend on newspapers or magazines for information. Cell phones are almost wiping out letter writing, and the internet is full of reluctant writers, who have devised some form of shorthand that they think is communication, but often provides only garbled, unintelligible pseudo-messages.
What's the answer? It would be wonderful if there were any answers, but there don't seem to be.
What would happen if schools set aside one period a week for 'rap' English and text language, and insisted on proper English spelling and grammar for the remainder?

Answer 3

The answer is that the English language has for many years been evolving - changes in spelling, words become obsolete and new ones come along. Even changes to the rules of grammar and pronunciation. Years ago it was because many people were illiterate so they just guessed how to spell. The point is that the language survived all that and it will survive the present assaults. The language is a livng language not a dead language like latin.

Answer 4

Along with spelling and correct usage of the English language, comes correct punctuation and grammar, which is obvious that even someone as you tend to neglect. Spaces after commas, no ending punctuation, fragmented and run-on sentences, no apostrophes where appropriate, so what would be a good answer? I think maybe for students and adults alike to try to engage in speaking and writing the English language (those who choose to speak English). Announcing your disapproval for the illiteracy or morphing of different extensions that are not in fact English is not enough, you must possess these qualities as well. I'm not trying to be offensive, I'm just trying to be helpful. Of course every person makes mistakes here and there, but I understand what you are saying. Children are becoming less and less involved in school, which also results in poor language skills. A possible answer would be for parents to try to enforce attendance and homework on these children. English teachers can only help so much. Thanks for the question!

Answer 5

Though not the most used language, english still remains a very important language. But given the local varieties, and that a language is livid and evolving, we should not complain. SMS text is the necessity of the day rather then a distortion. As long as a language serves its purpose, that is one is able to communiate, one should not complain. Of course, a wrong version at the wrong forum will always be criticised.

Answer 6

The language, like the society's need to communicate continues to evolve. Reading some of the posts on this site make me share your concern ... at least in the sense that we need to maintain certain standards of spelling and syntax that are necessary to support reliable and accurate communication.

On the other hand ... the disappearance of 'thee' and 'thou' from common usage did not threaten civilization and we should be less concerned about whether the colOUR or colOR of meaning is conveyed by the words that are used.

One follow-up question for you ... if you are proud to be english and as concerned about the formalities of grammar, syntax, and spelling as your question implies ... why didn't you capitalize English?

Answer 7

Perhaps you should look at the way you have written this, before getting on your high horse about 'American Misspellings'. Grammar is the core of language, more so than spelling. You have protested at the loss of 'good' English whilst showing no respect at all to sentencing.

Answer 8

What's the answer? What's the *question*???? Are you asking why children are not speaking proper English these days? English, like all languages, changes over time to adapt and modernize itself and that is what you are seeing happen with today's students. English is being oversimplified and I agree, it makes the children look ignorant and the schools look like they are not doing their jobs. However, school DO teach proper English and it is also up to the parents and other caregivers to make sure their children are learning and using it properly.

Answer 9

Private schools, or schools that are funded based on performance would be a start.

Even vouchers have merit in many instances.

It is depressing to think how many of these people will have difficulties securing decent jobs with no ability to spell or punctuate, but it does give my kids an advantage. They can do it well!

Answer 10

ummm k you said English or not.. I prefer yes, I do like to speak English .Due to the fact we have more words to describe different things.... yet how you made your statement (yes it is a statement) you really don't leave space to answer a question of any sort.also how can we be "proud to be English" when we are Americans....