Changes in English
Created | Updated Feb 25, 2005
Many people are on two sides of this controversy: either they believe that English is an institution that should be preserved, while others believe that langauge is a natural system, which should be open to changes.
There are several authors, professors, and people in general who believe preserving English grammar is very important to good communication. The thought that English should change to make errors acceptable is a sign of detrioration of culture.
English is changed and shaped by the people who use it. For example, younger people speak differently, using their own slang and their own grammar (as in when we interject "like" into every other sentence). Also within America is the unique language used by many African Americans. The question is, should African Americans be made to change their language to conform to the standard rules of English? Is their way of speaking an integral part of their culture which should be respected on its own and separate to standard English?
There are several authors, professors, and people in general who believe preserving English grammar is very important to good communication. The thought that English should change to make errors acceptable is a sign of detrioration of culture.
English is changed and shaped by the people who use it. For example, younger people speak differently, using their own slang and their own grammar (as in when we interject "like" into every other sentence). Also within America is the unique language used by many African Americans. The question is, should African Americans be made to change their language to conform to the standard rules of English? Is their way of speaking an integral part of their culture which should be respected on its own and separate to standard English?
