Can we be more chilled about some of the nonsense rules we were taught...

...and in my case used to teach? I have had a bit of a reputation for being a pedant over spelling and grammar amongst my friends, but have always understood English to be a 'dynamic' language in the full sense of that word. When I was at school, it was an offence to use 'alright', it had to be 'all right'. At university, in an English language class we learned that there was absolutely no reason for this anomaly when we had 'already', altogether' etc, so I resolutely refused to correct it when I saw 'alright' written down, but alerted students to the fact that in exams it was still not acceptable.

I learned a long time ago that it was the Victorians who tried to force the rules of a dead language (Latin) onto English to make it 'respectable'. Then I saw this yesterday and, with one exception, I agreed with everything he says about English grammar and spelling. I wonder what you think?

[media=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BccyQaNKXz8&t=14s]

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OogieBoogie · F Best Comment

I grew up with a father who had a love for language - but more the traditions and 'uppercrust' perfection of it.

I now feel he had some learnt idea that refined language reflected ones social standing and education level.

Which....i can do....but not always.

Decades later, and with what seems a very different perspective, i see what he meant, but in a freeer manner.

I see that its expression, art, social glue, identity amd part of our persona and culture, but i dont see thw need for affectation of perfection.
(As you can see, im not tje best texter - and i leave most of my spelling mistakes in
I do this coz one {im impulsive }, and two, i think this relfects me: I'm imperfect)

I use words like 'gonna', 'wanna', "geez", 'prolly' (probably) etc...beicase this is how i speak - its expression of self.
I want my words to reflect not only my thoughts.... but me as well.

Words amd language to me are like painting.
There's traditional, but then there's expressionism. Traditionalism has its place and time, but expressionism adds colour and feel that the former doesn't.

And i like that.

Sometimes imperfect language can be better, portay more and add character to what is being said.
🤗

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@OogieBoogie Not gonna argue wiv u, but it does, as you say, depend on context and how seriously one wants to be taken as to the 'correct' form of grammar for the people being communicated with. 🙂

OogieBoogie · F

@FreddieUK i think language is best tailored for its situation ....or even intent.

I loosen my language and swear more at work, but when i type a report, its all gramatically correct.
Here....its more 'arty farty' and 'loosy goosey'🤗