What I want to know is, should proper english be taught more in schools, seeing how many people, specially young people can't speak proper english, read proper english and most speak some sort of slang, along with many adults. If English is the American language, why is it that young people even when they grow old still not speak or read proper English?
2006-09-09 13:29:27 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Vannessa - Well i'm sure that the correct word is "asked" not "aksed" like many people say.
2006-09-09 13:32:37 · update #1
You make a valid point, but I think how one speaks is determined by situation. For example, when applying for a job, it wouldn't be wise to use any form of slang. I've heard of employers that reject applicants that use the word 'like' improperly. They want someone representing them that has excellent language skills. I can't blame them for being picky.
When someone is hanging out with friends or typing on Yahoo Answers, it's personal preference. It's all in how you want to be perceived. Maturity is also a factor. How many 30 or 40 year olds do you hear using slang? Not many. Swear words yes, slang, no.
I don't understand people that criticize others for using poor English skills here. This isn't the workplace or school. The bottom line is that you need to be understood. I cringe when I see someone use 'your' when they should be using 'you're' or 'there' when they mean 'their'. It's improper usage, but I still understand the question. Yes, our schools deserve some of the blame. More education is definitely called for.
2006-09-09 14:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by cricket 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would help tremendously in making yourself appear credible if you learned to always spell English with a capital letter, but to answer your question: yes, it would be good for authorities in the field of language education to determine and agree upon exactly what constitutes 'proper' English from an American perspective and then establish suitable curricula to ensure that it is taught. However, the language must meet the needs of your incredibly diverse population and its future needs, so the problem is not an easy one to solve.
I would actually prefer that British English became less rigid and more reasonable, especially in respect of its antiquated spelling rules.
2006-09-09 20:42:32 · answer #2 · answered by Lenky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe children do learn proper english and grammar in school, but since it is not forced and used at home, people do not get in the habit of using it. People tend to use the language of those around them in their environment.
2006-09-09 20:33:46 · answer #3 · answered by julez 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Proper English is taught in schools, however, most people do not use it in everyday speech. This is because it is as easy for most people to understand slang as it is for them to understand proper English.
2006-09-09 20:38:02 · answer #4 · answered by braningillespie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How dare those Americans Butcher the English language?
2006-09-09 20:33:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the schools have lost quality, the system of education is bad. The parents do not correct them and the parents do not teach them with the example. That's why: parents, professors, mass media. What could you expect from young people when they are receiving education from TV, bad education in schools and with parents who do not care about it?
2006-09-09 20:36:59 · answer #6 · answered by C6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't teach proper English in schools anymore! They have to worry about teaching another language for all the foreigners!!
2006-09-09 20:33:27 · answer #7 · answered by MaTt 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because most parents beleive that it is not their responsibility to teach their kids.
Because most of the schools are too lax on what should be taught and how to teach it.
Because many parents are afraid to stand up to their kids.
Bring back the respect and we'll see a tremendous difference in todays youth.
2006-09-09 20:32:11 · answer #8 · answered by jenepher402 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The people in power do-not want the people to realy know what is happining ,so the schools dumb down the students from the begining .
In England a "fag" is a cigarette. Quire is strange, odd or differant.
Does too plus to equel fore ? I think not.
2006-09-09 20:43:57 · answer #9 · answered by Robert F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
we have an education crisis in America, this site is proof positive that so many can't spell or write even with a spell-check and a dictionary,, the worst thing though, is that many are fed so-called facts by the Limbaugh's of the world, who are on drugs, and have no clue how to conceive of an original thought,,,,
2006-09-09 20:34:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋