Literacy Limps Into the Kill Zone

Ant writes to tell us that Wired has an interesting look at the current standards of writing and the general decline of spelling and grammar in today's "comic book generation." The author blames many of the problems on instant or near-instant communications stating that the slang developed is essentially eroding our ability to formulate coherent thoughts in writing when called upon to do so.

Comments

Re:They don't realise language changes.

[scot4875]

Interesting post, but completely irrelevant to the topic at hand.

If any of those quotes noted a decrease in students' writing skill that accompanied use of a new technology, then it'd be close to relevant.

--Jeremy

Re:They don't realise language changes.

[shinma]

This doesn't actually mean anything relevant to the current conversation.

All this says is that the MEDIUM changes. The language itself, and the ability for a person to appropriately and effectively communicate concepts and ideas, has nothing to do with whether it is written on bark, slate, or paper, written with chalk, pencil, or pen.

Re:The abuse of language

[TheRaven64]

Things changes.

Women used to not wear pants.

The aristocracy didn't. It was not too uncommon among the peasantry, since practicality often won out there. Ladies didn't wear trousers, but women most certainly did.

Men had short hair.

For some periods in history, yes. In many cultures, long hair was considered a sign of virility (not surprisingly, since hair growth is linked to testosterone). In the 18th century it was fashionable for men to have long braided hair. The idea that men should have short hair is a fairly modern one.

We were ranked by a persons pedigree and not by their job title or money.

Only among the aristocracy, who didn't have jobs. Among the lower aristocracy wealth was very important. I presume you've read Jane Austin, and therefor recall that Mr Bingley (who only had £5,000 a year) was 'nothing next to Mr Darcy' whose income was £10,000 a year.

Moving further down the social hierarchy, the job was important. Members of the professions (soldiers or priests, for example) were more respected than members of the trades. A professional might hope to marry the younger daughter of a junior aristocrat, while a tradesman would not.

Plus Ça Change, Plus C'est La Même Chose