Language Does Matter!

nerdyandilikeit

I happen to think that was a joke because I have not found it to not be true at all.

So, you DO think it's true. Double negative. Woops.

Exactly. Now the intended meaning of her statement has changed. Why don't people get this?

Yes, I made a typo and now the whole world is going to end because you're on the internet and making an assumption from a typo. Hmm, what's that saying about assumptions.........

I did NOT make an assumption. I told you what I saw. If you did it on accident, it still changed the meaning of the point you were trying to make, which illustrates the point of this thread.

pastryari

I happen to think that was a joke because I have not found it to not be true at all.

So, you DO think it's true. Double negative. Woops.

Exactly. Now the intended meaning of her statement has changed. Why don't people get this?

Yes, I made a typo and now the whole world is going to end because you're on the internet and making an assumption from a typo. Hmm, what's that saying about assumptions.........

It wasn't a typo, it was a grammatical error. I make them all of the time. Humans are flawed and have room for improvement. I personally would prefer someone to point it out to me. Maybe I don't know any better. Maybe I have been using a word in the wrong way. The bottom line is that you are judged by what you say. Even in writing. You don't have to like it. In fact you can continue to be defensive about it. Although I am not sure why. I would rather grow and improve. It seems more productive that getting angry.

Haha. Are you really going to TELL me that I didn't make a typo? Is it just that you don't believe in a typo or what? Because I know that was a typo considering that I'M the one who wrote it. Thanks. I am not angry, just really disgusted with how far people are willing to go to make themselves feel better and superior.

pastryari

I happen to think that was a joke because I have not found it to not be true at all.

So, you DO think it's true. Double negative. Woops.

Exactly. Now the intended meaning of her statement has changed. Why don't people get this?

Yes, I made a typo and now the whole world is going to end because you're on the internet and making an assumption from a typo. Hmm, what's that saying about assumptions.........

I did NOT make an assumption. I told you what I saw. If you did it on accident, it still changed the meaning of the point you were trying to make, which illustrates the point of this thread.

How does a typo (accident, in your words) illustrate the point of this thread? This thread is attacking people who don't use the language correctly, not people who make typos.

Edited: TO CHANGE A TYPO, as horrific as that may sound.

Pocket_Pixi

My personal opinion is that those born to the "texting generation" are losing their ability to write/read/speak properly. Shorthand may work for texting and even personal email, but at some point these boys and girls will be expected to join the working class. May as well practice proper written skills now rather than trying to figure out why they couldn't even get an interview because of a poorly written resume/application/cover letter.

Like, fer realz!

I agree, completely. I have seen some of the resumes and coverletters that we have turned in here and the spelling and grammar are horrifying.

I can say though if you looked at my writing skills online you would think I do not have a grade 12 education most of the time. Fact is I graduated high honors from highschool and almost have a B.A. in English/Lit. I LOVE writing, everything about. I spend majority of my day writing very detailed quality reports that HAVE to be perfect because they go to the higher ups as well as some share holders.

However; when I speak online I do not take the time to read things over (even though I know I should), I get lazy and write things like prolly, or cuz, or tho and more and more often I catch my self writing then instead of than and vice versa because I am not paying attention.

I think if people would slow down and take the time to re-read their stuff it may stop some of the silly errors that stick out - like "mail and male," "write and right," "through and threw" etc.

TourThePast

I'd like to add that even those whose second [or third or fourth] language is English, tend to speak it more properly than those born here.

LOL. That's a joke.

I don't think that was a joke at all. Many people who learn English as a second or third or fourth language don't take it for granted and actually care about getting it right. They wouldn't argue that it's not important.

I agree, both on the importance of language skills, and that people who are bilingual do tend to care about getting it right.

Personally I cannot help but feel disrespect towards people who are clearly of the opinion that communication skills are unimportant. Especially those who wear their ignorance like a badge. Yes, I judge people, and while it might not be a popular stance, I'm not alone in doing that.

IronmanPanda

Some people just suck at grammar and spelling. Some people don't. I don't see the big deal and I'm tired of people always complaining about it! There are better things to spend your time worrying about.

This is an important thing. I am a hiring manager, and nothing will eliminate someone from consideration for a job than a resume or cover letter full of spelling and grammatical errors. It is a sample of their work, and if it is full of errors, after having all the time they need to proofread it, have someone else proofread it, or even run it through a spell checker, I assume that all of their work will be of similarly poor quality. That may not be true, but I don't have an hour to spend interviewing someone to try and find out why they can't write and spell properly. So, the bottom line is that poor spelling and grammar is something to spend time worrying about. There are very real impacts.

^^This. My first rule was, "If you can't spell the job title properly you don't get the job." It was alarming how many applications and resumes would cross my desk that couldn't spell the job title. You would think people would at least get that correct.

nerdyandilikeit

I happen to think that was a joke because I have not found it to not be true at all.

So, you DO think it's true. Double negative. Woops.

Hm. Do you feel superior to everyone else now that you have pointed out a typo? Seriously, this just proves that people are just TRYING to find something wrong with others. Someone makes a typo or has a brain fart and suddenly they are cast into that group of people that can't spell or use proper grammar. Get over yourselves.

Nope, I sure don't. I make mistakes all the time. I would not have pointed out this grammatical error if it hadn't help make the point of this thread. Simple things in language that some people dismiss can change the meaning of things, and that makes effective communication more difficult.

AnninStPaul

Proper grammar comes naturally to some of us

This simply isn't true. While people may have different capacities for learning, no one was born knowing how to spell or use proper grammar. Words are wonderful tools, and I always appreciate those who make the effort to use them correctly and effectively.

These are elementary grammar issues. Basic english taught in the US grades K-6. There is little to no excuse for these mistakes to continue into adulthood.

I agree. I find it difficult to take someone seriously when I have to translate poor grammar and spelling. These are basic skills.

I concur.

OSC_ESD

" Please take a proverbial shower. " <

---

CLASSIC !

honeysprinkles

Proper grammar comes naturally to some of us

This simply isn't true. While people may have different capacities for learning, no one was born knowing how to spell or use proper grammar. Words are wonderful tools, and I always appreciate those who make the effort to use them correctly and effectively.

It is true, to an extent. I've never had a hard time learning how to spell, how to use punctuation, etc. It's always been easy for me. Always. Then there are people like my mom who have and always will struggle with it. It's not because I try any harder than she does and it isn't because I care more.

BondBomb

I happen to think that was a joke because I have not found it to not be true at all.

So, you DO think it's true. Double negative. Woops.

Exactly. Now the intended meaning of her statement has changed. Why don't people get this?

Yes, I made a typo and now the whole world is going to end because you're on the internet and making an assumption from a typo. Hmm, what's that saying about assumptions.........

It wasn't a typo, it was a grammatical error. I make them all of the time. Humans are flawed and have room for improvement. I personally would prefer someone to point it out to me. Maybe I don't know any better. Maybe I have been using a word in the wrong way. The bottom line is that you are judged by what you say. Even in writing. You don't have to like it. In fact you can continue to be defensive about it. Although I am not sure why. I would rather grow and improve. It seems more productive that getting angry.

Haha. Are you really going to TELL me that I didn't make a typo? Is it just that you don't believe in a typo or what? Because I know that was a typo considering that I'M the one who wrote it. Thanks. I am not angry, just really disgusted with how far people are willing to go to make themselves feel better and superior.

Fine. A typo. The point is that no one is pointing it out to feel superior. I feel superior for other reasons. It is being pointed out because like it or not you are judged on the way you communicate. I have also chosen not to hire people based on poor communication skills. In my line of work we submit reports to various government agencies around the world. If English is their second language (agency) they can not always understand grammatical error and typos. I don't have time to translate the reports for my German collegues.

nerdyandilikeit

How does a typo (accident, in your words) illustrate the point of this thread? This thread is attacking people who don't use the language correctly, not people who make typos.

Edited: TO CHANGE A TYPO, as horrific as that may sound.

It illustrates that language does matter. I'm not attacking anyone, nor do I believe is this post.

honeysprinkles

I'm an ESL teacher, and it SHOCKS me that native speakers mistake you're/your and their/there/they're.

That shocks you? They're three words that sound the same, it doesn't surprise me that some people get it confused. I know the difference but that doesn't mean that you won't ever catch me accidentally typing there when I mean their.

Proper grammar comes naturally to some of us, so it's easy to not realize that it really can be a struggle for some people. It doesn't mean that they don't care or that they're stupid and it certainly isn't a reason to start feeling better about yourself.

Why not worry about real problems and not petty things like how someone spells or types...this isn't a classroom.

I'm sorry. We just don't agree on this. When I speak to someone that is well spoken and intelligent it makes me think much more fondly of them than I would otherwise.

I wish so badly that my vernacular was so much better then it is and my grammar was as good as my fathers but sadly it isn't,

I'd rather talk to a person who is comfortable with their vocabulary and language choice than someone who tries to unnaturally fit "big" words into sentences and sounds awkward. People do that a lot and it always sounds forced. When I'm writing an academic paper, my style and tone is much different than my everyday life so it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard.

honeysprinkles

Some people just suck at grammar and spelling. Some people don't. I don't see the big deal and I'm tired of people always complaining about it! There are better things to spend your time worrying about.

Well if they suck then there is just no point in trying to improve.

*head desk*

is that what I said?

nerdyandilikeit

I'm an ESL teacher, and it SHOCKS me that native speakers mistake you're/your and their/there/they're.

That shocks you? They're three words that sound the same, it doesn't surprise me that some people get it confused. I know the difference but that doesn't mean that you won't ever catch me accidentally typing there when I mean their.

Proper grammar comes naturally to some of us, so it's easy to not realize that it really can be a struggle for some people. It doesn't mean that they don't care or that they're stupid and it certainly isn't a reason to start feeling better about yourself.

Why not worry about real problems and not petty things like how someone spells or types...this isn't a classroom.

I'm sorry. We just don't agree on this. When I speak to someone that is well spoken and intelligent it makes me think much more fondly of them than I would otherwise.

I wish so badly that my vernacular was so much better then it is and my grammar was as good as my fathers but sadly it isn't,

I'd rather talk to a person who is comfortable with their vocabulary and language choice than someone who tries to unnaturally fit "big" words into sentences and sounds awkward. People do that a lot and it always sounds forced. When I'm writing an academic paper, my style and tone is much different than my everyday life so it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard.

I don't think a big vocabulary is the same as correct grammar.

pastryari

I happen to think that was a joke because I have not found it to not be true at all.

So, you DO think it's true. Double negative. Woops.

Exactly. Now the intended meaning of her statement has changed. Why don't people get this?

Yes, I made a typo and now the whole world is going to end because you're on the internet and making an assumption from a typo. Hmm, what's that saying about assumptions.........

It wasn't a typo, it was a grammatical error. I make them all of the time. Humans are flawed and have room for improvement. I personally would prefer someone to point it out to me. Maybe I don't know any better. Maybe I have been using a word in the wrong way. The bottom line is that you are judged by what you say. Even in writing. You don't have to like it. In fact you can continue to be defensive about it. Although I am not sure why. I would rather grow and improve. It seems more productive that getting angry.

Haha. Are you really going to TELL me that I didn't make a typo? Is it just that you don't believe in a typo or what? Because I know that was a typo considering that I'M the one who wrote it. Thanks. I am not angry, just really disgusted with how far people are willing to go to make themselves feel better and superior.

Fine. A typo. The point is that no one is pointing it out to feel superior. I feel superior for other reasons. It is being pointed out because like it or not you are judged on the way you communicate. I have also chosen not to hire people based on poor communication skills. In my line of work we submit reports to various government agencies around the world. If English is their second language (agency) they can not always understand grammatical error and typos. I don't have time to translate the reports for my German collegues.

But where you people are wrong is in judging people for their language skills on the internet, which has NOTHING to do with work. There are tons of people who can communicate just fine at work or in "real" life but don't choose to be so picky when they are on the internet. You're making assumptions that people who don't take the time to look over what they wrote to be sure it's correct when posting on forums/internet are not capable of doing so in the real world. THAT is my point.

honeysprinkles

My personal opinion is that those born to the "texting generation" are losing their ability to write/read/speak properly. Shorthand may work for texting and even personal email, but at some point these boys and girls will be expected to join the working class. May as well practice proper written skills now rather than trying to figure out why they couldn't even get an interview because of a poorly written resume/application/cover letter.

Like, fer realz!

My 12 year old daughter texts in complete, gramatically correct sentences. She makes fun of her friends that don't.

There IS hope for the future, although you probably will not find it in this thread.

I'd rather have a daughter that is empathetic and non-judgmental than one who builds her self-esteem on the foundation of having good grammar. It doesn't come easily for everyone. I'm not saying that grammar isn't important, but I think some of you need to get off of your high horse and realize that it IS a struggle for some people and your judgments aren't okay.

BondBomb

I'm an ESL teacher, and it SHOCKS me that native speakers mistake you're/your and their/there/they're.

That shocks you? They're three words that sound the same, it doesn't surprise me that some people get it confused. I know the difference but that doesn't mean that you won't ever catch me accidentally typing there when I mean their.

Proper grammar comes naturally to some of us, so it's easy to not realize that it really can be a struggle for some people. It doesn't mean that they don't care or that they're stupid and it certainly isn't a reason to start feeling better about yourself.

Why not worry about real problems and not petty things like how someone spells or types...this isn't a classroom.

I'm sorry. We just don't agree on this. When I speak to someone that is well spoken and intelligent it makes me think much more fondly of them than I would otherwise.

I wish so badly that my vernacular was so much better then it is and my grammar was as good as my fathers but sadly it isn't,

I'd rather talk to a person who is comfortable with their vocabulary and language choice than someone who tries to unnaturally fit "big" words into sentences and sounds awkward. People do that a lot and it always sounds forced. When I'm writing an academic paper, my style and tone is much different than my everyday life so it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard.

This is SO true. I always feel bad having to tell people 'I don't think that means what you THINK it means'. lol

On another note. My weakness is Its and It's. It drives my best friend crazy so I am working on it.

ScarletFyre

Thanks for posting.

I will admit, if I am sending a quick text to my fiance, I will get lazy on my grammar and spelling, but for the most part, I try to use proper language other times, especially when posting on public forums.

It reminds me of when I was in college and my boyfriend (at the time) wasn't very good at typing, so he'd write his papers and I would type them up. I would try to correct his punctuation etc., and he kept telling me "I'm not a writing major; it doesn't matter!" he got his paper back with a B grade...and a note that it would have been an A if not for the bad grammar....... :bigsmile:

pastryari

How does a typo (accident, in your words) illustrate the point of this thread? This thread is attacking people who don't use the language correctly, not people who make typos.

Edited: TO CHANGE A TYPO, as horrific as that may sound.

It illustrates that language does matter. I'm not attacking anyone, nor do I believe is this post.

I never said that language doesn't matter, so where did you get that idea?