Why are the standards of spelling and grammar so appalling these days?

Answer 1

Partly because the parents don't know any better themselves.

I'm in my mid 40's, and we used to get a telling off at school and at home for poor spelling, grammar etc.

The generation after us 40 somethings saw the emphasis in schools shift away from the 3 "R's", perhaps because of the silly PC / Do Gooder brigade that didn't like children being told off or that something they were doing was wrong.
These children are now parents and the problem you mention is the result of their schooling.

May also have something to do with "Yob Culture" because schools ( and parents to some extent ) lost the ability to disciplin the little darlings.

I'll leave the soapbox now and get my coat...

Answer 2

More people fall into the mindset of IMing, and don't see why they can't use it outside the computer. When it comes to formal things, most people do use proper spelling and grammar, but many just don't feel like they have to be so formal with acquaintances.

EDIT:

I think it's appalling that some users are blaming poor grammar on illegal immigrants and "Ebonics culture" (hello, this is not 1997 anymore, you don't use that term) If your child is lazy enough not to put effort into their work, then you are just completely wrong in blaming that on Mexican immigrants, or even culture. If you lack the persistence and dedication it takes to ensure children's application to their own education, then it's your fault. If your child is so lazy that they won't apply themselves o their work grammar, or otherwise, then it''s THEIR fault. It's just flat out bigotry when you choose to blame an individuals lack of intelligence, or caring, on immigration or anything else then the person responsible. Which would be you, or the child.

Answer 3

There are two primary reasons.

1. Teachers now have to take valuable classroom time to prepare students for the standardized tests now given in most states. Administrators have to prioritize the time that remains. Reading and math are more important.

2. One of the reasons that grammar has become such a low priority is the fact that proper grammar is perceived to be a "white" thing, and everyone knows how promoting a "white" curriculum keeps the poor black man down. So now, what was once part of an ordinary education is now politically incorrect, and only the elite that can afford a private education are given instruction in those things that make a well rounded individual...grammar, foreign languages, art, music, and the behaviors expected in an upwardly mobile setting. The middle class white kids in public school are now doomed to be low class trash unless there is a strong, strict support system at home. No one in a position of authority in public schools is interested in elevating the lot of the bottom half of the bell curve. To do so puts one's job in jeopardy.

Integration and the politically correct socially sensitive curriculum was supposed to give us more Colin Powells. What we fail to acknowledge is that it has also delivered us Eminem and his ilk.

Answer 4

English grammar is no longer taught. It's sad but for some reason various governments have interfered with the education system to such an extent that it is now more or less useless. What annoys me is that generations of interesting, intelligent young people have been betrayed. Yes there will always be those who don't want to learn but why penalise those who do by watering down the educational standards of all. Surely we should be reaching for the highest common denominator not the lowest?

Answer 5

Other than IMing, I really think that Auto Correct features on word processors have a lot to do with it. If you're typing a document in Microsoft Word and you spell something wrong, as long as you get close to the actual spelling then it automatically corrects it for you. You never actually learn how to spell the word because you don't even notice that you've been misspelling it.

Answer 6

I think it's just sheer laziness, really. As I pointed out in another answer, I think mobile users should use proper English instead of shortening everything. It annoys the hell out of me. Especially adults. Oh, and the standard of English and grammar on this site is ridiculous! Use the spell-checker at least you morons!

Answer 7

Speed, youth and poor education standards, an inability to use spell check, By speed I mean R U ther

Answer 8

I blame the mobile phone and texting, da wha i tink anyway , terrible, and I suppose there 's alway's being a section of people that are not good at spelling anyway.

Answer 9

blame the chavs. Just blame the chavs. But it sometimes does take long to write long things if you are on an instant messenger. for instance it can be easier to say 'lol' rather than 'i'm laughing so hard now' you know what i mean?

Answer 10

Because our ways of communicating are changing and the world is faster and faster and people want the gist of a message. And if one or two words, or an acronym or an abbreviation gets your message across it saves time.