Klarinet Archive - Posting 000978.txt from 2000/02

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Quick (off-topic) English lessons
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 14:18:11 -0500

----- Original Message -----
From: "Neil Leupold" <leupold_1@-----.com>
Subject: [kl] Quick (off-topic) English lessons

> --- Jim O'Briant <jobriant@-----.com> wrote:
>
> > I figured that with the level of English grammar,
> > syntax and spelling that I see from students on
> > several different mailing lists, a little bit of
> > education wouldn't hurt, either.....
>
> Ah yes, I used to be this way. I've come to recognize
> over time, however, that there are actually "styles" of
> English misconstruction. These distinctions become part
> of people's written identities and lend character to their
> particular brands of discourse. It is certainly not spe-
> cific to students. Rather than interpreting such aberra-
> tions as indications of laziness or incompetence, I've come
> to view them as unique forms of self-expression. With only
> the written word for communication on a mailing list, these
> idiosyncratic foibles can genuinely serve to enrich one's
> perception of the individual where few other qualifiers
> exist ~ and I mean that in a positive way. In short,
> let the mistakes abound!
>

I must disagree with this. Some of what I see is so poor that I have no
idea what the person is trying to say. The intent of language is
communication. Failing to follow the spelling and grammar rules hinders
that communication. In the most severe cases, there is no communication.

Now English does have a lot of oddities in its spelling and I certainly
wouldn't get too excited about an occasional error. However, tt can get to
be a major chore to decipher the meaning when 25% or more of the words are
spelled incorrectly.

Language is a tool. One needs to know and be able to use it correctly
before choosing to override the rules for expressive and artistic purposes.
The goal is always communication. If a non-standard usage facilitates that,
fine, go for it. If it hinders it, then it should not be used.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD

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