Anyone can write a sentence but it takes an educated person to properly construct a sentence and make the paragraphs, papers, books, or press releases they are intricate pieces of. The three most important components of sentences are: grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If one of these crucial elements is missing, the person writing or speaking the piece will sound utterly uneducated. In today's society, unfortunately, this is becoming a frequently more common occurrence. The English language is despairingly being reduced to slang and grunts. Not many people are taught to appreciate the grace and elegance of a purely spoken language, English or not. A purely spoken language can be moving, convincing, romantic, and even harsh.
The only people who presently make sure that they speak or write correctly are those who are writing or giving speeches or books. Half the time, grievously, they don't succeed. It is one of my pet peeves when people do not speak correctly or write poorly. My father was an English teacher for three years before he started teaching Social Studies, Geography, Psychology, and Economics. He drilled it into my two younger brothers and me growing up. It stuck with me more so than my younger siblings.
As an example of those who speak poorly, one of my favorites is, sorry to those of you who like(d) her, Alaskan Governor: Sarah Palin. Senator John McCain chose her as his running mate for last years' presidential election. If a member of the public listened to any one of her speeches, they would understand why it irritated me to so much to have to listen to her butcher the English language. It bothered my father as well; we had great many-a-joke about her and her education and speech skills.
All three of the components that are critical to proper speech and/or writing are constantly screwed up. I am not saying that I am perfect in these categories by any means, however, I do what I can to make sure that I am as close to "perfect" as possible.
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I must say that I agree with you, but i must say that it is not our fault for the way we speak, write, or spell. I must point the finger at our teachers, and no im not pointing them at college teachers, we should be educated by our 13th of school. I am looking at the High schools around the U.S. and how our teachers are failing us, as students. The U.S. is a world super power, yet none of us can name our 50 states. We are not on the top for being educated, and this is something that needs to be changed.
ReplyDeleteI never personally got to hear Sarah Palin speak but from the spoofs I've seen on Saturday Night Live I don't really think much of her. If you are that publicly known in the world then I think it would really pay off to learn how to give a speech and speak properly. A little bit goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that her speech lost her the vote but...maybe.
Sarah Palin was pretty sad to watch, Im no professional but I would expect a lot better from someone who is in that position. I dont think that it lost them the vote but it certainly was not going to help them. I agree with joey very strongly that it is mostly on our teachers shoulders if we grow to not be strong speakers or writers. From when we are little they should work with us to do things the right way. Not when we are Jr.s or Sr.s in high school. Obviously we need to be willing to learn.
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