You don't have to be a Harvard graduate in order to speak properly.
2006-09-29 13:37:18 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
You should buy the "Dictionary of Modern American Usage" by Brian Garner. Of course, like most usage dictionaries, its concern is with written, rather than spoken, English.
I heard about it by reading David Foster Wallace's review, which was re-published in his collection "Consider the Lobster." He's someone else who's interested in the English language, especially what he can do with it.
2006-09-29 13:45:06 · answer #1 · answered by answersBeta2.1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as world and fashion changes so too does the language, which makes it dynamic.
Person, do however need to aquire the skill of producing Standard English(S.E) which is needed for the appropriate time. Dialect of languages (which is what people use so often) should only be use when appropriate. Distinguishing when that time is may be the tricking thing. What should be done is simple this: when language is used in an unappropriate way.....the correction must be reinforced. We need not let the S.E be forgotten.
2006-09-29 20:48:05 · answer #2 · answered by dragganess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, blame it on rap music, the acceptance of Ebonics, and the laziness of people. I remember when using the word "ain't" meant you were uneducated. Now, turn on any radio, TV or read any newspaper, and there it is. America has gone soft. Just listen to other people from other countries speak. English may be a hard language to master, but most Americans haven't even scratched the surface.
2006-09-29 20:59:26 · answer #3 · answered by Dawn C 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, I think you're on to something. We live in such a fast-paced society today that you can't teach kids grammar for the simple reason, they find it boring.
A couple of other negative influences on grammatically correct English would certainly be rap "music" and all the computer abbreviated lingo and syntax.
2006-09-29 20:52:25 · answer #4 · answered by soulguy85 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
when talking to others, I am more concerned with the ideas of what they say. as long as they convey the meaning, I personally don't care about the way they speak.
( thats me though)
and I think too, if we never deviated from propergrammer, then we would all sound just like the people from england.
so, its not a new thing I beleive....
2006-09-29 20:41:46 · answer #5 · answered by papeche 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People achieve at a level expected by those they respect. Most parents feel a little less stressed about grammar these days, and it shows...
2006-09-29 20:45:24 · answer #6 · answered by Zivien 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Language is fluid. People from Shakespeare's time would think we speak horribly. People from 1776 would think we speak horribly. Do you really think we should still be speaking like they did? You will NEVER stop the evolution of language.
2006-09-29 20:45:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
exactly. around me, improper grammar is not accepted. right or wrong, i correct people. there is no excuse for being lazy or ignorant.
2006-09-30 17:53:28 · answer #8 · answered by robyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And pretty soon we're all going to sound like the street people from "Blade Runner". (One of H. Ford's best movies!)
2006-09-29 20:49:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes!
2006-09-29 20:46:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋