Courtesy of British funnymen Mitchell & Webb here is an indication of what could happen if you run into one of those people who take the correct use of grammar very, very seriously.
Every day in classrooms across the world, children and adults alike are instructed in the fine art of grammar, the speaking, usage, and writing of the English language in its "proper" form. The problem is whether you label it "tradition," "standards," or just "the way of educated individuals," it boils down to one group of people establishing the "proper" way to communicate for another. Most often it results in accomplishing little more than erasing cultural identity.
Since the establishment of linguistics as a formal field of study in the late 1800s by individuals like Ferdinand de Saussure and Franz Boas, the realities of how language is supposed to function within a given society versus how it actually does, has brought two very revealing linguistic truths to light. Firstly, people everywhere are far more interested in making themselves understood than adhering to formal rules. And secondly, given the fluid and ever-evolving nature of language, no prescription could ever set a permanent standard for language - any language.
So the choice is yours. Take the path that Mitchell & Webb satirize so beautifully here if you want or just do the best you can any way you can. As long as you can make yourself understood I'm happy.
Hm, it depends on the situation. There's nothing wrong with a mistake or two when you're being informal, but you do need to watch your words when engaging in a professional environment. The point of conversing is getting your message across clearly.
Posted by: Drew Hohmann | 10/11/2011 at 11:35 PM