We used to post job descriptions for our graduate assistants and never had to indicate "Must be able to write correct English with attention to grammar and punctuation." It was a given that a graduate student could write correctly, if not stylishly. Now we have to specify that they need to be able to write correctly. And we have to ask for writing samples and give them writing tests. You can no longer assume that someone with a four-year degree can write correctly. I believe texting and e-mail is partly to blame for that - typos and spelling errors are accepted in those formats. Perhaps less emphasis on rote memorization in the primary school years is also to blame. I don't know if kids still get spelling tests and have to memorize vocabulary words. A creative approach to spelling is never a good idea! Few words have acceptable alternate spellings; sometimes, wrong really is just wrong and no matter how good the effort, the words "that is wrong" must be uttered, and the red pen must write a big red X.
I guess I should have realized that grammar has masochistic tendencies. Otherwise (s)he would have broken up with the human race -- or at least dropped hir prescriptive alter -- long, long ago.
@Leslie K: Isn't it against the Rules of Misery to post such obscene filth? This is shameful.
ReplyDeleteROFL
ReplyDeleteWe used to post job descriptions for our graduate assistants and never had to indicate "Must be able to write correct English with attention to grammar and punctuation." It was a given that a graduate student could write correctly, if not stylishly. Now we have to specify that they need to be able to write correctly. And we have to ask for writing samples and give them writing tests. You can no longer assume that someone with a four-year degree can write correctly. I believe texting and e-mail is partly to blame for that - typos and spelling errors are accepted in those formats. Perhaps less emphasis on rote memorization in the primary school years is also to blame. I don't know if kids still get spelling tests and have to memorize vocabulary words. A creative approach to spelling is never a good idea! Few words have acceptable alternate spellings; sometimes, wrong really is just wrong and no matter how good the effort, the words "that is wrong" must be uttered, and the red pen must write a big red X.
ReplyDeleteSteammmmy!!! I want more, more, more!
ReplyDeleteI thought about posting this to my facebook, but I'm pretty sure someone will accuse me of being a sexist for it, so instead I'll just LOL to myself.
ReplyDeleteI guess I should have realized that grammar has masochistic tendencies. Otherwise (s)he would have broken up with the human race -- or at least dropped hir prescriptive alter -- long, long ago.
ReplyDelete