American intelligence as represented by Yahoo Answers question.?

Question

I've been on Yahoo Answers more or less since it started. I don't claim to be an expert in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. In fact, all the red marks on my papers would suggest otherwise. Yet I am stunned at how many adults on here post in something that is borderline gibberish. I'm not talking about text message codes like "LOL" or "OMG" but rather words misspelled or misused, no punctuation, atrocious grammer, and horrible sentence structure that sometimes makes no sense at all. How is it that these people graduated high school? How do they get jobs or even learn how to use a computer? Is this a problem with American education, or have our standards sunk so low that this type of brutality to the English language is completely acceptable? I'm actually looking for serious replies. What the hell is wrong with our country?

Yes Mary, and it is REALLY sad when you see people from different countries in which English is a second language still have better spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure than those born and raised here. I'm speaking strictly about Americans in my question.

Answer 1

Profuy and Stormy Weather both have cogent remarks. I think they're overlooking one other language-changing factor- this medium right here. Culture is the environment in which a language changes. I submit that this is a culture unto itself.

If you have a number of individuals who each have some success socially in spite of error-laden language, you find less motivation to speak and write better.

If I write in chat-room sub-standard English, "b4 I get 2 no you better, m8" and have some success here- this is, after all, an environment in which people provide emotional support, friendship, and even romance- I will have less and less incentive to type the correct homonym. ("know" and not "no")

It seems that people, used to an educational system in which spelling and punctuation are not as important as the "how you feel about your writing" factor, apply the same lack of concern to spelling and punctuation here. And they have success with creative spelling.

Yep, I don't like it, but I don't know how to change it. Perhaps by being selective in choosing whom to write to.

I'm far from perfect (testimonial from my ex-wife available upon request), but I endeavor to write in complete sentences with perfect spelling. Oh, I accept and use the common LOL, ROFL, BRB kind of shorthand. But it sure is like lexical chalk on my language ears when I see "I no wat u mean, m8?" Cutesy goes just so far, then it demeans my language.

Have a Happy Christmas and an erudite New Year!

Answer 2

I agree that there is a problem in the education system. For many years now, it's no longer "that important" to know correct spelling, grammar or punctuation, especially in grade school where the foundation should be set. As a teacher, I was appalled when I was instructed to no longer focus so much on these things. Mistakes are no longer cause for less points or lower grade (very different from when I in school.)
In all fairness, the same applies to other languages also. I can't tell you how I cringe when I see "well educated" people write things like "fuistes" or "ya hize" or "a benido" etc, in Spanish. Learned people in French, Italian, German, etc. have also told me the same happens in their languages.
Yes, languages change and evolve over time, but if everyone uses their own version of a language, what happens when say, someone from Japan and someone from Italy are trying to communicate in a common third language and they've both learned it differently?
I think it all boils down to one thing: you have to CARE. It's a given that in the professional world, people are respected more (or less) depending on their language skills. Some people just don't care.

Answer 3

I could not agree more, although it is not limited to Americans at all. There are deliberately bad postings, as you describe, from much of the english speaking world.

I can decode the LOL's and LMAO's, etc but have major problems interpreting sentences without fullstops. Some are dreadful to the point of incomprehension.

Bad spelling I can accept (and typo's, I make dozens myself). Bad construction of a sentence can change the tone and meaning of what is being said (eg, see my answers from 3-4 days ago about transponsers (sic)).

It is frightening because some of the people writing are obviously skilled with some area of expertise and obviously highly knowledgable.

Obviously in some cases the writer has English as their 2nd or maybe even 3rd language. Rightly or wrongly, it is still just as hard to understand what they are saying. You can tell these as their spelling is phonetic (as opposed to bad), they may use simpler words, and use words out-of-tense. They WILL however use full stops and comma's, so are making an effort. Full marks to these guys. I wouldn't dare trying to answer in my French or Spanish!!

However, it has been my own personal experience that the asnwers I respect and admire the most have one common denominator - they are comprehensible.

EDIT: Having re-read the answers an hour after posting mine, I reckon Profuy (below) deserves your 10 points, when you come to allocate them.

Answer 4

I'm not a native speaker of English and in fact I started learning it at the age of 17. It's been a long way and I still don't consider myself totally proficient especially when it's related to the productive skills (speaking and writing).
However I have noticed that in many, many areas my performance is above average than many of the people who place questions or answers.
Why is that? Maybe it's because I'm totally aware of my flaws and I try to overcome them by paying close attention to details.
By the way, I use the 'Check Spelling' button, you know, just in case.
Does it help?

Answer 5

Well, I do not really pay attention as to who exactly does the misspelling, but yes - it is REALLY irritating. I mean there is a Check Spelling button up there, why don't people use it?

Answer 6

Is YA only used by Americans?
Even if it is, there are a number of people who are still new to the English language.
Plus there are those who do have a difficult time with spelling.
But then there are the lazy butts who just don't want to learn to spell.

Answer 7

Two main problems, in my opinion:

1: People don't read books so much nowadays, because there is so much else to do. Books generally have very few English errors so people who read a lot will notice when something's not right.

2: Spelling and grammar is not taught enough in schools (presumably they have too much other material they are supposed to teach) and pupils' work is not corrected.

Answer 8

A. Yahoo answers is more than just the u.s. and B. How do you know where people are typing from? Right now, I'm on my iPhone... Its not exactly easy. Yes there are many MANY illogical questions out there but who cares?

Answer 9

I agree with the woman above. You are using the World Wide Web lol... remember that English isn't everyone's first language and we as humans aren't apt to proofing anonymous posts

Answer 10

This is a poster board and for amusement. It is not a term paper and it is not a board that gets an annual review for salary increases.

Relax a little It is fun for most people. That is the extent of the post and posters on this site.