Communication blogger David Wise sent me the following link and asked me to comment. It is an article citing the work of CQUniversity researcher Dr. Michael Cowling who states that "Spelling is overrated. As long as the meaning of something is clear, why does it matter how we spell the words?"
For the benefit of Michael, David and everyone else, this is why it matters.
How you say what you say has a huge impact on its meaning. As readers, we don’t set out to be judgmental. In many cases, however, the only knowledge we have of an author is through what we are reading—and, consequently, how that text is written greatly affects our opinion of both the writer and the message. If all you can see are misspelled words, you might start questioning the credibility of the writer. You might wonder about the author's age, education or intellect and just how seriously you should be taking that person. Forget 'might'... you will!
That is the reality of the situation. However, we live in an era where those who point out errors in grammar or spelling are quickly marginalized as "Grammar Nazis". Ignorance rules the day, and the social pressure encouraging good spelling and grammar has dramatically declined. Consequently, people are making the mistake of thinking they can get away with poor spelling and grammar.
Now, English may well be a very difficult language, with a tremendous array of conflicting influences, and a host of specialized rules and conditions. It is fair to say that it is very difficult to conform to all norms of grammar given that many of them are subjective and conflicting (and many self-appointed gurus have themselves made embarrassing errors). I have absolutely no doubt that this entry, for example, has over a dozen real or subjective grammar problems: From the incorrect placement of a comma, to the overzealous use of a compound adjective, to the use of a colon where a dash would suffice.
I am not making a claim of perfection nor am I requiring that of others. Mistakes of grammar are common and, given the complexity, understandable. However, spelling is standardized (with minor regional variations), so unless you are intentionally trying to extend or adapt the language, some effort should be exerted to check it. To do otherwise is simply being lazy.
How we write is a direct reflection of our intelligence, knowledge, education, experience, and personality. Even if you are not intending your writing to be such a reflection it is how you are judged. So does proper spelling really matter? Of course it does! It helps make your voice more powerful and, in some respects at least, more meaningful.
Thanks Brett. Well articulated as usual and gets to the real point.
Posted by: David Wise | 06/24/2012 at 10:20 PM
I really love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you develop this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own personal site and would like to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Kudos!
Posted by: Pixie | 11/12/2013 at 08:13 PM
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
Posted by: rabbit | 11/14/2013 at 06:07 AM
There is certainly a lot to learn about this issue. I like all of the points you made.
Posted by: Bead | 11/17/2013 at 04:55 AM
Very good information. Lucky me I came across your blog by chance. I have book-marked it for later!
Posted by: Zau | 11/17/2013 at 07:34 AM
I was able to find good information from your content.
Posted by: rabbit | 11/17/2013 at 07:39 PM
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is useful. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: ladyg | 11/18/2013 at 10:40 AM
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It's the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Peter | 11/19/2013 at 01:11 PM
I blog often and I truly appreciate your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
Posted by: Jessica | 11/19/2013 at 08:34 PM
After going over a number of the blog posts on your website, I honestly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and let me know how you feel.
Posted by: rabs | 11/20/2013 at 12:58 PM
Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Posted by: S Bead | 11/20/2013 at 05:04 PM
Your style is so unique compared to other folks I've read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this blog.
Posted by: Lana | 11/20/2013 at 06:16 PM
Unfortunately spelling and grammar does reflect a person's academic level. I believe it shouldn't for the pure fact that English is down write illogical. It's stubborn nature that English has gotten to the point that it has and the only real reason it's stayed this way is to show superiority over those who are less educated.
Math is logical. English is an abomination that needs a complete revision.
Here is a satire website that proves this point exactly:
http://www.cracked.com/article_20713_5-reasons-english-language-makes-no-freaking-sense.html/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fanpage&utm_campaign=new+article&wa_ibsrc=fanpage
In the authors 4th paragraph, he completely discredits the validity of the argument and still tries to finish the article with the point that proper spelling matter.
People who hold onto this belief structure that "spelling matters" have it ass backwards.
Posted by: Chuck | 11/29/2013 at 05:51 AM