The English Language's Weather Report
Despite the fact that we all have something to say about language, even a small bit of information might be hazardous. Few of us bother to understand the science of language, and yet many of us go about believing that science is a non-existent reality. As a result, our notions about language are based on personal taste rather than objective reality. Subjectivity is a driving force behind language use, thus this isn't unusual. Our linguistic judgments, or those of people we regard as experts, are rarely acknowledged as arbitrary, scribbled on wood pulp rather than carved into stone.
Many people find it difficult to accurately explain the impact that our views regarding our language have on both English itself and those who use it, because English speakers demonstrate an incredible degree of indecisiveness about their language. On the one hand, we belittle our own abilities and are always quick to apologize for any errors we may have made, whether they were real or imagined. We tend to believe that our English is plagued with errors, and that it is insufficient to meet the requirements of our jobs. Teachers, editors, and usage experts' opinions are sought for and deferred to in our quest to say or write things correctly. In spite of our language inadequacy and fear, though, we are reluctant to take the guidance we so desperately desire. This is our platform, and no one has the right to impose their will on us. It's a travesty of democracy. I think there should be a legislation.
Many native English speakers, including those who are otherwise well-educated, either refuse or shun formal study of their own language. Over the past century or so, pupils and even some teachers have been reluctant to learn about the intricacies of grammar because it has taken on a negative reputation that is difficult to overcome. That we moan about too much grammar while also complaining about not enough is a sign of our linguistic waffling.
Despite our endemic dissatisfaction with grammar education, there is still a strong interest in English. Even if language isn't a major problem in this country like politics, religion, or the economy, it's an issue that everyone cares about and that comes up frequently. The English language is frequently the subject of editorials and analyses in the media. Attempts to improve our speech, spelling, and grammar are also frequently reported on. All kinds of essayists and media pundits continue to mock the bureaucratic style of official discourse. Watchdog groups are on the lookout for doublespeak in the public arena. There is a movement to stop people from overusing quotation marks or the apostrophe. And the introduction of new words is seen with amusement, then with apprehension, depending on the situation. Although it is still not given the attention it merits, the reality that many of our countrymen do not learn how to read and write efficiently is even more significant.
There can be no denying that there is a great deal of interest in language. Because our language prowess is something we don't always feel the need to boast about. Often, we are language bullies, correcting our family members, friends, and even our teachers, blaming our lack of knowledge. Though many people seek for instruction from books on proper English language, a chorus of nasty critics is always ready to jump in and point out any errors.
I, too, have succumbed to the temptations of language egoism. When I was in high school, I dared one of my strictest teachers to correct my pronunciation of a word. The term in question was spelled gaol, which is the British spelling of our American prison here in the United Kingdom. Despite my precociousness, my teacher failed to notice that it is pronounced to rhyme with rail on both sides of the Atlantic. Her words, on the other hand, began with a harsh g and ended with a drawn-out cowl. I had no idea at the time what I was doing in terms of spelling pronunciation, reading words not with their traditional sounds but rather as they appeared on the page, or even classroom decorum and respect for authority, but as soon as the correction was out of my mouth, I realized I had done something wrong. Silence descended on the classroom. There was a perilous stillness about the teacher. When I finally made it to the desk, I was instructed that I needed to look up the word "gaol" in the dictionary. This was something I had to do, but it was tough because I had completely lost track of alphabetical order.
I was, of course, correct. However, at what price? Even though my teacher accepted the correction politely, our relationship was never the same after that. No one in the class thought I was a folk hero for correcting Mrs. N. on such a trivial point. We all need to learn when to be correct and when to stay still when it comes to language, just like anything else.
