tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320880986712768583.post7607004374967823975..comments2019-05-03T04:52:48.757-07:00Comments on HAL 9000: Standard English and the InternetEnglishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12938317526695003813noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320880986712768583.post-61711938563825537252011-03-18T09:45:33.878-07:002011-03-18T09:45:33.878-07:00We need two separate working definitions for stand...We need two separate working definitions for standard English. <br />In informal writing - such as e-mail and letter writing - I find that the definition of "proper basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation" is certainly reasonable, and should be critically expected by people. In such English, things like sentence fragments, verbal expressions, and other such nonstandard concepts for emphasis or characterization are fully acceptable, but the basic structuring forces of standard language should apply. Granted, in most venues nowadays, there are no ways to regulate it... Facebook and Twitter certainly have their share of voluntary "grammar police" (or "grammar nazis", as most textspeak advocates so lovingly call them), but there can be no formal moderation of such. On principle, however, they should be encouraged, especially by the likes of professors, employers, and other such figures.<br />That said, the finer points of standard English in writing should be reserved for formal letters, papers, essays, etc.; such things as clause agreement, argument structure, or clear thesis statements obviously can't be expected of all casual writing, but the second we throw that away in critical literature (either digital or otherwise), we murder language itself.<br /><br />That said, with the way everything is now, we really can't judge someone based on his or her written vernacular, but frankly, I think we should be able to. If you can write properly, for the love of whatever you worship, do it.A Large Trouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00399445424065514789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320880986712768583.post-39336343468560343772011-03-17T10:34:30.829-07:002011-03-17T10:34:30.829-07:00You mentioned that Facebook may be the future of o...You mentioned that Facebook may be the future of our literature. I can honestly say I've seen books written completely in Twitter conversations or chat rooms. That form of literature is already here. I personally don't think it's a good thing, but it's entertaining for some.<br /><br />Also, you mentioned the Nonstandard English on the Internet. When I worked with some 7th graders last winter, I noticed the Nonstandard English didn't stay on the Internet for them. These kids included things like "lol" and other text abbreviations into papers they turned in. One day, we're going to have to face the consequences of text speak and how it's affecting kids who can't differentiate when to use it and went to be more formal.Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05246034360879201311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320880986712768583.post-70967157952611940782011-03-17T10:24:03.362-07:002011-03-17T10:24:03.362-07:00I think that this is a very interesting discussion...I think that this is a very interesting discussion. However, I would argue that this question is something that our society struggles with in regards to trying to find a happy medium. When we think about writing in general, we often think about Standard English. In our heads we automatically associate the written language as being proper and the spoken language as being more informal. Although there are exceptions to these rules, we often struggle trying to figure out what these exceptions are. Therefore, the ultimate question becomes: should the Internet be a place where we use the written principle of Standard English? My answer is: it depends. Like speaking or writing, the Internet has different purposes for communicating. I think it would be silly for Facebook to require all of its members to use proper English because Facebook is a sort of informal dialogue. Depending on who you are addressing, email can be either formal or informal. Personally, I believe that business emails should be kept formal, whereas emails to your grandma can be a little more informal. When it comes down to it, I think that the situation will help to determine the type of language that should be used.kmbroeringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05609944540615657861noreply@blogger.com