Jan. 17th, 2003 09:43 am
Things that piss me off, #437:
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johnstonmrPeople who murder the English language.
Look, I get it -- some people just can't spell for whatever reason. Maybe they're dyslexic, maybe they're learning English as a second language, maybe they had a deficient education, maybe they're just stupid. Whatever. For all three groups, there is a solution built into most word processing programs and LJ as well: Spell Check. Use the damned thing, that's what it is there for! But just saying "I cant spel" doesn't excuse your atrocious inability to properly write your own language down.
In foreign languages not your own, errors are slightly more permissible, but only to a point. If you're taking the trouble to learn a new language -- which effort I heartily commend -- you can take the time to learn it properly. Only the various Chinese languages have multiple transliteration systems; Japanese and Russian use a standard form (though I admit Japanese has a variation form that I seldom see used).
Grammar
I'm very lenient on grammatical matters with those who are only just learning English -- many languages have different grammatical structures, and it can be difficult to learn them, especially for, say, Japanese speakers, who come from a much more grammatically straightforward language.
However, native English speakers get very little leeway from me unless they are still in school. Why? Because bad grammar can be fixed.
If you know your grammar is deficient, you have three choices:
1) Go take a class on grammar at the local junior college.
2) Buy a book on grammar and use it.
3) When you don't know something, ask someone who does and then endeavour to remember the answer.
Saying "I suck at grammar, so what?" is equivalent to saying "I know I'm an uneducated doofus, and people will look down at me, and I don't care." Knowing you speak improperly -- whether grammar or pronunciation -- and not trying your best to change that is just laziness.
Am I being elitist? You betcha. Here's why:
1) You are judged by your language. If your use of it is deficient, I guarantee you that's cost you in the past. If you cannot write a coherent sentence, you're not prime material for any job above Janitor, no matter how skilled you are in the meat-and-potatoes of the job.
2) My ears hurt when I hear some of the things Americans around me say. "I seen him last night" is horrible, but nothing beats the sheer unrelenting pain of "Is you ready?"
I'm sure I've pissed off some people. Too bad. Feel free to castigate me, but don't expect me to change. In this I admit I am unrelenting and changeless as a rock.
Look, I get it -- some people just can't spell for whatever reason. Maybe they're dyslexic, maybe they're learning English as a second language, maybe they had a deficient education, maybe they're just stupid. Whatever. For all three groups, there is a solution built into most word processing programs and LJ as well: Spell Check. Use the damned thing, that's what it is there for! But just saying "I cant spel" doesn't excuse your atrocious inability to properly write your own language down.
In foreign languages not your own, errors are slightly more permissible, but only to a point. If you're taking the trouble to learn a new language -- which effort I heartily commend -- you can take the time to learn it properly. Only the various Chinese languages have multiple transliteration systems; Japanese and Russian use a standard form (though I admit Japanese has a variation form that I seldom see used).
Grammar
I'm very lenient on grammatical matters with those who are only just learning English -- many languages have different grammatical structures, and it can be difficult to learn them, especially for, say, Japanese speakers, who come from a much more grammatically straightforward language.
However, native English speakers get very little leeway from me unless they are still in school. Why? Because bad grammar can be fixed.
If you know your grammar is deficient, you have three choices:
1) Go take a class on grammar at the local junior college.
2) Buy a book on grammar and use it.
3) When you don't know something, ask someone who does and then endeavour to remember the answer.
Saying "I suck at grammar, so what?" is equivalent to saying "I know I'm an uneducated doofus, and people will look down at me, and I don't care." Knowing you speak improperly -- whether grammar or pronunciation -- and not trying your best to change that is just laziness.
Am I being elitist? You betcha. Here's why:
1) You are judged by your language. If your use of it is deficient, I guarantee you that's cost you in the past. If you cannot write a coherent sentence, you're not prime material for any job above Janitor, no matter how skilled you are in the meat-and-potatoes of the job.
2) My ears hurt when I hear some of the things Americans around me say. "I seen him last night" is horrible, but nothing beats the sheer unrelenting pain of "Is you ready?"
I'm sure I've pissed off some people. Too bad. Feel free to castigate me, but don't expect me to change. In this I admit I am unrelenting and changeless as a rock.