The English language is declining. It's gone way down just in the last 50 years. Are you troubled by this?

Question

There's a big difference between "evolving" and "declining". When a language evolves, words get replaced, modified and added. When a language declines, words and meanings are lost and not replaced.
For example, you can no longer describe something, cheery and bright colored with one word because the meaning of the word "gay" changed and no new word replaced it.

Answer 1

I agree with the comments that have been made about the evolution of language. English, particularly, has traditionally been susceptible to change, and as a result we have a richer vocabulary than some other languages.

That being said, I do worry about whether young people today (I'm including my own age group in this--twenties and younger) are learning enough about grammar and spelling. These things aren't as important as literature, learning to write, and critical thinking, but it's better if everyone can communicate effectively. The internet will make you worry about that! But I expect it'll all work out okay.

Answer 2

The language is dynamic. It is changing all the time. It may seem like things are in decline but it is merely an evolution of sorts. If the language did not change we would still be speaking beautiful prose from Shakespeare's day. Of course, to them it was just ordinary English. Rather more limited than it is today. So much so that Shakespeare often created new words to use in his works. I would not worry about the collapse of speech or anything.... people will never learn to keep their mouths shut.

Answer 3

I don't know what you mean by "language is declining" and "it's gone way down". Is that part of the problem? People do not know what they are talking about and are unable to communicate clearly? How does a language decline or go way down? I am troubled by a question like this that means nothing.

Answer 4

English is going to be slightly complicated through fact this is in a diverse language kin. common, English isn't perplexing. this is slightly greater particular than Spanish in terms of sentence shape, even though it continues to be comparable to English. the place English has common stressful conjugation, Spanish has notably greater, and this is considerable. in terms of pronunciation, English is harder. a number of the pronunciation isn't complication-unfastened, even though it is not something that may't be truly overdone. Spanish actually is harder than it style of feels, and if verb endings and adjective endings make issues greater handy to p.c. out (although, o/a endings are very deceiving, they are plenty greater insonsistent than human beings think of). Plus, because English has long previous by way of a pronunciation shift because its orthography became formed, Spanish is going to be greater consistent. merely watch human beings attempt to justify their solutions that Spanish is greater handy. they're going to communicate approximately "exceptions", as though Spanish does not have any for some reason. they're going to communicate approximately homonyms, as though Spanish does not have any the two. None of them have any clue what they are speaking approximately. i'm nonetheless going to would desire to pass with English being greater handy.

Answer 5

I am trouble because living in America is good but Most American students are not using their ability fully. I can just imagined that the Hispanic could have the higher percentage of resident in the US by 2013. Go to those school who is on the Honor rolls list.

Answer 6

You are absolutely correct...I can not even believe that the some of the people here even have a ninth grade education...and look at the man occupying the White House, he can not even make a grammatically correct sentence on his own, the moron makes mistakes with articles for crying out loud... I have taught English as well and I would say it is evidence that some of "us" are not doing our jobs in teaching it and should be removed...

Answer 7

depends what you mean by declining? do you mean people are speaking it differently or "incorrectly" the english language has always changed and will continue to do so. Im sure people from the 17 century think your English is terrible.

Answer 8

declining? I thought more and more people speak it.

or you mean grammar is changing? it's been changing all the time - just read Shakespear.

Or you're saying the changes are for the worst? According to which standard? Swearing? It has been around all the time.

Answer 9

It sure is causing me sleepless nights but since i teach the language, if it improves, it'll mean I may be out of a job so i support it's decline cause it ensures my continual employment.

Answer 10

Not at all the english language is the third most spoken language in the world