I applaud James J. Kilpatrick for his recent column on the value of English grammar ("Why do we study grammar? To fully embrace our rich language," March 22).
The young lady who challenges the teaching of English grammar, asking why she should write more correctly than she speaks, has, in essence, answered her own question. The better she knows the English language, the better she will speak it and the better she will write it.
As one who was fortunate to have received many years ago a solid background in English grammar in the public schools of Savannah, I have great trouble understanding the speech of the young people of today. I attribute this to many reasons, but the greatest, in my opinion, is poor grammar. Since young people are always striving for perfection, particularly today, I urge them to consider mastering their own language so that they may communicate more clearly, concisely and convincingly with the English-speaking world.
Col. Ford P. Fuller Jr. (ret.), Evans
Comments
Thank you Col. Fuller for embracing a subject that has great meaning. I have a hard time understanding many Americans that have so corrupted the Enlish language that when they choose to speak it is usually unintelligible. That in turns renders their writing capabilites incomprehensible as well.
The young don't want to be known as nerds or ak'in white by their peers. On this forum it's easy to spot those not interested in developing their communication skills. However, for those that post regularly, you can see a marked improvement almost immediately. I often wonder if their friends notice their skills improving in every day conversation.
Bad grammer and writing translates to not receiving the best jobs offers even though you may be qualified. No company wants people to represent them if they cannot speak and write good English. Read the posts of some of the young people in high school and you do not see proper sentence structure or punctiuation. The same goes for dress and grooming. Never in my business would I hire a sales representative that did not speak good English, wear conforming clothes or wasn't neatly shaved and had a neat haircut. I would probably hire prior military because they have dicipline, know how to conduct themselves wih respect and are dependable.
discipline. ;-)
Bad "grammar", not grammer.
I like the content of your posts Denali, patriciathomas and christian134. Good points. Liked the letter, too. Sometimes it seems like I spend more time proof-reading my errors than actually writing. It's not easy, especially when I'm tired. I have a hard time with homonyms, like their, there, and they're. And wear, ware, and where.
Baroness same here....Back in school, in what seems like eons ago...:-) I was one of the few that loved diagramming sentences......Now it is a chore sometimes....By the way Good morning baroness, patricia and others.....
Quote:
"Never in my business would I hire a sales representative that did not speak good English, wear conforming clothes or wasn't neatly shaved and had a neat haircut."
What is this, the 1950's?
To quote a song "Long-haired freaky people need not apply" - is that what you're saying? If so, you run the risk of missing out on some quality people. Judging a person (for any reason) strictly by their appearance (clothing, hair etc), is short-sighted and shallow. Obviously, speaking proper English is a must, but (for example) disqualifying a male for having long hair is, well, stupid and prejudicial.
I don't believe "language arts" taught in guv'mint schools today equate to the teaching of English grammar I had drilled into me in my day in public (meaning locally owned and operated) school. It was my pass to attending and finishing college/graduate school. Thank you Prefessor
Floyd ! (now deceased)
TomK, I don't believe the writer was speaking of clothes, but I did notice that all the hippies of the 70s at the college I attended, all shaved, got stabdard hair cuts and wore three piece suits to their interviews during college days when the recruiters came on campus. Yeah, you ARE judged by your appearance. Males with pony tails went out (or should have) after the 70s.
While I wouldn't say people are "judged" by their appearance, it IS the only way to make a first impression. As a long-haired, fairly well educated person, I used to enjoy destroying the stereotype. Presently, I keep myself well groomed so as to allay any fears people may have about me entering their homes to perform very expensive work. I like not having to maintain the long hair, but I sure do miss the appreciative looks I used to get from those hotties, lol.
When it comes to jobs, the language comes first. If your resume is poorly written, it will probably be tossed. Then we can worry about how you are dressed. I agree that possibly you miss out on talent when you make hiring decisions on appearance, but there are levels of what is appropriate for your business. It really depends on what the job is and the business. In customer service, you are representing the company and they might not want piercings in the face or spiked hair. Sorry. But please, PLEASE, get someone to proofread your resume before it is submitted.
Good insights everyone !!! In theory good grammar and better jobs go hand in hand -- until OUTSOURCING became the buzzword. Gosh, why am I being cynical ? I do agree though with everyone about the use of proper grammar. It shows you respect your fellows.
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