I’ve always wanted to write. Not because I am good at it. I wouldn’t know. I’ve never written anything other than my GCSE Essays. The one-year I spent at LCF, only one essay was required of me. So I am quite out of touch with my English. But through my twenties its something I definitely want to improve. That’s part of the reason why I decided to go to university so late; I’m 24 now and am only starting my second year. The main reason was to improve my English skills. Although I didn’t choose the best course to do that, it gives me lots of opportunities to present myself to an audience, so spoken English in a professional manner is a must. It seems im caught up in today’s slang. I can’t find the words to express myself maturely and intelligently. So you’ll generally hear me say things like “ it’s long” or “Chief” at any wrongdoing.
Acquiring the correct English, not only makes you seem so much more intelligent, it also makes people take you seriously. All the younger generations are speaking slang and failing at school. I don’t want my younger siblings following in this declining society. How can I expect them to make use of our great language if I don’t? I think the shock that prompted me on this topic was seeing my 10 year olds sister’s friend’s, face book status. It was invaded with spelling errors. At the age of 10 I could spell competently. So why cant these kids I ask myself? Its as though they haven’t been to school. So what’s my excuse? No im not that bad, but my English skills are not up to scratch but that’s because I’ve let them down.
The slang examples made me l-o-l. I blatantly use them myself (in fact, I think I was the one who got you started on "Chiefing!" haha).
ReplyDeleteI think slang is an integral part of our pop culture today and there's nothing wrong with using it in everyday and informal situations. A lot of publications, speeches and general media use slang to appeal to a wider audience and to add humour to something otherwise uninteresting! I find that using slang and colloquialisms often gets the point across much more effectively than the correct way of speaking too. That's the whole point of them right!
But yes I agree that speaking correctly is professionally beneficial and people do judge you on it. It's true that a lot of people are close to illiterate these days - you gave the example of a child with bad written English, well I know a number of adults (not counting ones with dyslexia)! And don't even get me started on the people who *think* they know it all when in fact they're just laughably stupid. I commend your honesty! It's good that you want to improve your writing and speaking skills through education as I am an ardent believer of setting an example before you impose your ideals on the world. Also, it's as they say - better late than never.
lol - yeah i cant lie, i am still gonna say chief. But i do think i have become lazy and need to change my 80% slang vocabulary into 80% proper English because you know sometimes i can't find the words to express myself clearly.
ReplyDeleteAh the youth of day! hehe! I have to say, I have fallen prey to using slang... it's difficult, but you have to separate yourself from it sometimes and almost be two mind sets.
ReplyDeleteEducation is such a powerful tool, I commend your 're-education'. Always remember- choosing to use slang is one thing; but only knowing slang is another. Language and the written word is essential and so is the manipulation of it. Good luck with the vocab, maybe we should have word of the day?
That was an excellent way to put it J "choosing to use slang is one thing; but only knowing slang is another", I like that.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah word/quote/picture/something/anything of the day/week is an awesome idea! Gonna add that to this blog very soon...
Thanks for your feedback guys, and i do look forward to something of the day lol!
ReplyDeleteDrive and the desire to improve are the main components to building on your strength. This quotation was said to me earlier this week, 'Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration'. You will find that genius. Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteLove the blog. great job.
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