What's happened to good grammar?

Question

I'm 14, and I'm not grammar obsessed, but I do like to use good grammar.

I'm sick and tired of reading text after text, IM after IM, post after post, written by people who type away, with lousy spelling, hoping to save a few extra seconds. Really how hard is it to turn a sentence like this
"wazzup dude? u ready for da concert 2mro?"
Into this
"What's up dude? Are you ready for the concert tomorrow?"

I find it much more pleasant, and easier to read when someone uses good grammar.

So what's happened here? Why have we become such bad spellers?

Answer 1

There is a cultural disconnection between the past and the present. My opinion is that your parents' generation are more anxious to be your friends than your mentors. Your generation is allowed to run wild. What matters is right here and now, and it has got to be FUN!

It has got to be all about US! Well, all of that is fine for kiddies in the sandbox; but they won't be looking for a pay check any time soon.

The people who hire and fire are not ROTFL people - because their customers are not, and that is where the buck starts.

Once your generation steps into the work force, they will find that their own "culture" is as irrelevant as that of the Mayans. Grammar is just one of the things that are ignored and should not be.

I see in a previous answer the admonition to "cut down the effort." It demonstrates my own point better than I have. You get no more out of ANYTHING than what you put in.

Answer 2

Using correct grammar requires training and effort.



Proper grammar is important for clarity, especially when writing for a one-way medium that does not allow the reader to ask for clarification.



For example, using good grammar is important for books, magazines, and newspaper articles, because the reader does not have the opportunity to ask the writer what he or she really meant.



Sentences in published writing must be unambiguous, and that is one of the reasons grammar rules were formulated.



However, in casual conversation, if we don't understand what someone means, we can ask for clarification. The speaker can easily repeat or rephrase what they previously said.



Text messaging is more like a having a casual conversation than it is like writing a book. If a text message is unclear, the recipient can ask for clarification.



Therefore, people tend not to fuss too much about grammar in text messages. Maintaining good grammar takes time and energy. Text messaging prioritizes immediacy over clarity.



For many people, using correct grammar is simply not worth the added effort.



Also, few people are grammarians. But many people want to text message. If only grammarians were allowed to text, a lot of wireless companies would go out of business.



I'm guessing that the person who wrote that sloppy text message uses better grammar in more formal contexts, like school papers.

Answer 3

No, but maybe more creative. I'm not endorsing this type of communication, just offering an opinion. I believe the cause of this symptom (of a general degradation of values) is due to an increasingly permissive society, starting at home and being amplified by the schools and an ever-increasing liberal mindset. I understand that this phenomenon is cyclic, so maybe you shouldn't worry too much. But...just in case try corresponding (via paper!...what a concept, eh?) with others who feel as you feel. Maybe you can start a "movement" that may bring back literacy and proper grammar. Good luck.

Answer 4

Lighten up buddy, life is too short for that kind of nit picking. Texting is not as fast or easy as typing. I just bought a pda with a qwerty keypad and it s so much better.



With the phone its just too annoying to press every single letter. its one thing when you are on the bus or seated, but if you happen to be walking somewhere or doing anything at all you want to cut down the effort.



You wont find many people more capable where grammar is concerned than I am, but there is a time and place for everything.



ever heard of shorthand? its the name for a whole language of symbols used by secretaries to speed up note taking

Answer 5

People are making a mockery of the English language while getting their message across to the recipient. The text message example you gave is a big example of this, trying to save a few seconds and playing with words. I agree, I would rather see good grammar and be able to understand the message on the first look. See the links below for shortcuts on sms. Good luck.

Answer 6

I for one do no longer have educated typing skills. i exploit a restricted volume of hands even as typing and that i dont care if the apostrophe is lacking on a be conscious, yet, certain classes and commas help to split techniques and shop a pass going. i'm no longer stricken by utilizing capitalization both. i imagine i'm extra hung up about suitable spelling, there's a spell verify characteristic right here, i like utilizing that. i wager it comes right down to a particular element of laziness. see you later as its readable and should be comprehended is what concerns maximum.

Answer 7

It went the "way" of the Hand-written word. And since people DON'T write Letters anymore, they're beginning to "Talk- the Way they Text"! :( I don't like it either. But I'm GLAD- that a person as Young as YOU are- still appreciates the value of GOOD Grammar. A LONG time ago, MINE was about the Worst You could find (My English Teachers were ALWAYS yelling at me- about it). Now- my Grammar is STILL as bad as it WAS, but everyone ELSE's is worse than mine! (My old Teacher's must be having "Fits" !!!) :)

Answer 8

It's a style, that's all. People like to play around with the way things are done. It's fashionable.

Answer 9

The culture has changed. People find it easier to abbrieviate and use numbers as words.

Answer 10

no, ppl just are getting lazy.

i mean, people.



@J.S.

i don't think so. it's like sagging pants.