Re: Couple of tree questons

On Mon, 19 May 2008 21:57:48 -0400, "symplastless"
<symplastless@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

>Persephone
>
>I agree that words are im****tant.  If you cannot get the spelling
correctly, 
>how would they expect us to understand what they are saying?  They really
do 
>not care about being misunderstood.  Maybe that is from a lack of 
>understanding?

Well, maybe...Actually  I think it is a radical change in values over
the last few decades.  People used to admire and value clear, eloquent
speech and correct spelling/grammar.  But those same folks are now
routinely castigated, [especially if they go briefly snap enough to
post corrections on an unrelated NG <g>]

 Note that it's not entirely the fault of the castigators. Most do not
know any better, and don't want to know. 

They may have been formed in homes where good language
is not prized, and certainly in schools which all too often toady
to the  "self-esteem" PC teaching philosophy which
doesn't demand study and performance; doesn't imbue in the
learner the idea that "good enough" is NOT good enough; instead have
to settle for "anything goes" as long as the student doesn't drop out
and lose them the ADA (average daily attendance) money.
Caring  teachers must go quietly mad, considering what they
have to deal with.

Note that the same people who don't care about good writing --
about the difference between correct and incorrect grammar -- in fact
can get quite ugly about it if pointed out --  would object furiously
if somone suggested that a metric tool is just as good as a US tool on
a car engine.  He (usually) cares passionately about the difference in
performance of Athletes A and B.  He swears by his beer vs. your beer.

I'm deliberately oversimplifying, of course -- indeed, caricaturing!

Most of us have learned to keep our yaps shut; it's gone so far that
there really is little point in trying to help; it's not appreciated,
to put it mildly.  I was brought up to thank anyone who taught me
something.  But now... pearls before...uh, YOU know...!

I understand that teachers now have to have to explain to students
that the special "texting" language is not appropriate for school,
even university, papers.

>I respect your post and your points.  Please visit www.treedictionary.com

>and if you happen to find - "misspelled" words -  please let me know and 
>when I hear from you I will make corrections.  You can post them to the
list 
>for the whole world to criticize or just in email viewed in the special
room 
>of the Bush Administration, where they monitor our emails.  Thank you. 
My 
>worry is being misunderstood, a great deal more than any criticism.

Gwacious!  Someone who values correct writing...!

(I just picked up an expensive-looking sign from our local recycling
center.  It has the greengrocer's apostrophe.  (It's instead of Its).
You'd think somebody would proofread before spending my tax
money.  Proofread?  What's that... <g>)

Aspasia