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English language still diminishing in quality |
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Thursday, 29 November 2007 |
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of Hamlet had it right when they said, “Words, words. They are all we have to go on.”
However, today, because of a dependence on technology, our generation disregards the English language.
While problems of global warming and poverty exist, an overlooked problem lies in the desecration of the English language.
Everyday, billboards fail to delineate clarity in vignettes of the ‘It’ Girl with her prom queen tiara and
alluring looks.
Confusing signs tell consumers they ‘Must carry dog on escalator.’ Vague subtleties plague language.
Do billboards imply that popularity or looks are necessary to become the ‘It’ girl? Do signs imply that
customers must own a dog to ride the escalator, or does the message mean that owners must carry
their dog while on the escalator?
Ambiguous, vague, muddled: the intentions of the messages seem disputable.
From grammar to classical literature, the atrophy of a language priding itself on virtue continues, while
a keen reliance on technology afflicts my generation.
Wave goodbye to the days of extant originality and herald the proximity of clones thinking similar
ideas. Nothing original exists.
Every spark of imagination in this generation originates from an early precedent, another idea;
everything is repeated over and over again but in different scenarios.
The movie “Clueless” is based on Jane Austen’s novel “Emma,” although students and adults alike fail
to regard Austen’s prolific work as the mother of literary offspring.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle pertains not only to preserving the environment, but also translates to the
literary realm.
All sense of individuality with valor, novelty and pride, all democratic values disposed in this
generation, are destroyed by, more often than not, teachers abdicating from their position to encourage
individual self-expression to that of dictator - telling how a student should feel when reading a book
passage.
Teachers determine for the student what the student should get out of reading.
Thoughts that we once considered our own individual conjectures are archived to the library of clichés.
Two parts oblivion with a dollop of delusional, stir until completely mixed, add in a pinch of hostility,
and don’t forget the final touch - a tablespoon of a conventional mind. There you have it, a recipe for
the intolerant American.
Without a fight, my generation allows for the weakening of language through incoherent messages
lacking clarity, acronyms such as “lol” while conversing in instant messages, the demise of literature
as it is now assailed with a loud groan and a desire to log onto sparknotes.com for a short-cut that
does not include reading the text.
Although it may seem too late to resolve the dearth of correct capitalization and spelling, teachers can
stress applicable grammar lessons and an enthusiastic acknowledgment of classics.
Instant message programs should disallow the delivery of a message consisting of “h3y wutz ^?” -
numbers and symbols taking on all new meanings but only for the young.
As convenient as Facebook is, don’t rely solely on wall posts to communicate with friends.
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