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.
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.
Grammar as a Gatekeeping Tool
Grammar has been used as a gatekeeping tool to judge intelligence, professionalism, and suitability for various opportunities. Typos or small mistakes, especially in formal contexts, can lead to unfair judgments. Grammar gatekeeping, or 'gromando,' involves correcting others' grammar, which can be both helpful and detrimental. While it is essential to teach standardized grammar, it is crucial to be respectful and recognize that language variation is part of cultural diversity.
Language and Identity
Language plays a vital role in shaping identity and making assumptions about individuals based on accents, grammar choices, and word usage. Linguistic biases can lead to stereotyping and discrimination, affecting how people are perceived and treated. Non-native speakers, in particular, may face negative judgments about their intelligence or ability to communicate effectively. It is important to challenge these biases and approach language with respect and inclusivity.
Those who like grammar, like it a lot. For the rest of us, it can be a bit of a nuisance. But, we do our best to follow the rules because bad grammar is a bad look. Whether we’re looking for love, a job or an apartment, improper grammar can take us out of the running.
But according to our experts these preconceived notions around grammatical rules are off track. According to Dr. Anne Curzan, author of 'Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words', good grammar has been a moving target for centuries while Dr. Andreea Calude says we’re very adept at tempering our language to suit the situation, which is a good thing.
Join host Lottie Bazley on this episode of Infernal Communication as we learn how to tame our inner grammando and reveal the real rules of good grammar.
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