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Infernal Communication

Grammar Gatekeeping: Taming the Inner Grammando

Feb 1, 2024
Dr. Anne Curzan, author of 'Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words', and linguistics expert Dr. Andreea Calude discuss the evolving rules of grammar and the impact of language on judgments. They explore the history of English grammar, the concept of grammar gatekeeping, the influence of social media on language and literacy, and the importance of embracing linguistic diversity.
20:00

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Quick takeaways

  • There is no singular, universally accepted set of rules for English grammar throughout its history, and it varies across individuals and regions.
  • Grammar gatekeeping can be both helpful and harmful, as it can unfairly judge individuals based on their grammar, but it is important to recognize and respect language variation as part of cultural diversity.

Deep dives

Grammar and its Evolution

Grammar, despite popular belief, has never had a single agreed-upon set of rules throughout the history of English. It varies across individuals and regions. Word choice, verb tenses, and even pluralizing words can be challenging to navigate. Despite its complexities, grammar remains important in our daily lives, affecting job prospects, social interactions, and more. While there are accepted standards, the rules are not set in stone and continue to evolve.

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