Ah, rainman has met his equal.
<Persephone> wrote in message
news:48323794$0$31750$4c368faf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 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
|
