Save English!
It's high time we all did something to save the awesome language!Or, there are chances that the language would become extinct(nearly) in the near future. I request everybody out there to write a post on this and spread the "Save English" Campaign!The rate of deterioration is fast and we all must do something about it before the intruders succeed!Well, you may all wonder as to why i am giving this much of an importance!But people, this is serious!I am giving a few instances to let you know how the 'terrorists' advance day by day.While the article is meant to be satirical, it is not altogether fictitious.
A is a not-so-great friend of mine who i met recently at a friend's place. She is a beauty without brains and is plain stupid,to put it frankly. The dull conversation went thus:
A:Hey R, how are you doing?It's been ages since we met!What do you do now?
Me:Hi A, i have been doing blah, blah, blah!
A:Know what?I am going to do my MS soon. I am taking my GRE classes now. Do you have any plans to do your MS, lady Shakespeare?
Me:(Irritated and annoyed by the nickname she had used. Had it been uttered by any other person, i wouldn't have minded. But the sardonic grin said it all.)No, in my humble opinion, GRE is a waste of time!(in my arrogant opinion,lady!)
A:(she gives me a not-so-friendly smile and continues)Hey R, i didn't know you even exist!Why didn't you come for my sister's marriage?
Me:(Whoa!so much for gre!it's existed,you moron!And you never cared to tell me that you had an equally stupid sis. Your parents are lucky souls)Oh, i happen to be very busy and would have been busy at the time of marriage (unlike you). I trust your sis does well.(do i care?)
A:Yea, she does. She's in Australia now(beams)Guess what?I went on a casual tour there and it was awesome!You should go there someday!(grins from ear-ear)
Me:That sounds cool!(yes, as simple as that)But i didn't forget to notice the stress on the word 'tour' which was a wrong pronunciation.She said tour like people say boar and soar.It's to-ur!
A:(obviously disappointed)hmmm, i have become a veracious reader nowadays!I have read all Dan Brown's works and am very gay!
Me:Oh, that's pretty good.(Since when did you start being truthful, the noun that doesn't exist in your lexicon?I wanted to say voracious, but held my tongue. Playing the i-am-dumb role is fun at times.So, you are gay, uh?I thought so)I happen to be a vuh-racious reader too!Since when did you start reading books?
A:Hmm,firstly,i read "Pride and prejudice" and thought i should read more books and that was a year and a half back.I have read a dozen books from then on. I have even red each and every book of Dan Brown!
Me:(Firstly?Each and every?OMG!I can't stand this!And she says she is doing her GRE!I almost wanted to say 'it's first' and 'it's either each or every:not both')Oh, that's great to hear!
A:(Angry and disappointed that i didn't praise her)Oh, ok, R, alright!We'll meet sometime later.I got to go real fast now. I am enthused that i have met you.Anyways, bye!
Me:(Freedom, at last) Sure, We'll meet sometime soon(and the day shall never come.i didn't know if she knew it but alright is not a word. I hoped she meant 'all right'.And also, the fact that real is a very weak substitute for 'very', which also happens to be a weak word. I don't think you lose anything when you say 'anyway' which is the correct word!)Bye, A, i had a jolly good time with you!(i trusted she know this was the way 'jolly should be used.)
Ok, people, i might have sounded very prejudiced in the above conversation but have no qualms, whatsoever. Taking GRE classes and using those words just for attention, is a base thing.Why use complex and pretentious words just to let people know you are a GRE geek?There are many out there who use unnecessary words in everyday conversation. Knowing them is one thing and using them in the midst of writing is another, but doing something just for the pomp of it will ruin the beauty of the language. And the next time you hear a person use words like this or speak words like firstly and secondly, tell them they are wrong. It's not wrong to make mistakes, everybody does mistakes. But what matters the most is learning from them.
I am requesting all bloggers out there, especially indian bloggers to write not to attract attention with your GRE words, but to love what you do-write.Use simple sentences and don't go for glitz and pomp. While most are proud that they have a great vocabulary, they don't quite care about the basic grammar and the pronunciation.I have a million instances to point out, but that would be beyond the scope of this blog post.So, i guess the above words will make you realize the truth.
I didn't write the above article to tease anyone in particular. Sadly, most think having a great vocabulary is what matters. Sorry to say, it doesn't. The use of words like 'scurrilous', ''irascible' , 'velleity', 'ineluctable' , 'uxorious' and the like will give the attention you badly want , but that won't last long. Of what use is an essay or an article that can't be understood by people?If you really want to exhibit your talent , then specify the meanings below your post or place hyper links that link to an online dictionary website. Think about this!
If you want to be part of the 'Save English' campaign, please post an article on the same on your blog, linking to my post!
Here the badge goes:
Flaunt this badge and save the beautiful language!
what a fantastic post on english !!!
i loved it to the core.
well i too believe that people use lots of slang and the likes while conversing in and writing english.
also the fact that people use the any word any where they wish , disturbs me.
i completely agree with what you have written
hope u wont find my mistakes from what i have commented.
:)
my inner world said...
June 2, 2008 2:32:00 PM GMT+05:30
The GRE thing depends from person to person I think. I know some people who use those words in conversations while they're studying just so that they can remember. Hell, I used to read my bro's old book just for fun and walk around irritating my folks with bug words :D
But yes, I can understand the annoyance that stems from boors who use them without the right context or essence. Your 'friend' reminds me so so many people I'd rather not remember. heh heh heh! Same pinch Lady Rampantheart! Lets suffer together.
I'll put up the link right now. Have a good night!
Macadamia The Nut said...
June 2, 2008 4:48:00 PM GMT+05:30
@innerworld,
Thanks for stopping by to post a flattering comment:)Well,it's not that i am against or hate people who don't write or speak good english. It's just i am saddened by the fact that most people think having a great vocabulary is is the ultimate thing. Who am i point out mistakes, MIW?I just wanted people to read the post and change their perspectives:I am no lady Shakespeare or any literary genius:no one is, for that matter!I am very happy that you go completely with me. C ya around,have fun blogging!
rampantheart said...
June 2, 2008 5:37:00 PM GMT+05:30
Ha ha!ANd yes, perhaps you are right, in a way!And i am very glad you support my cause!
PS In a way i feel sorry for A who has got a not-so-great score in GRE.I pity her. I heard so from a friend and i really felt bad that she had to go thru the tough phase!I don't know what she's doing now, but i trust she will stop being all showy in the years to come!Poor soul!
rampantheart said...
June 2, 2008 5:42:00 PM GMT+05:30
Hello rampantheart!!
Came from Mac's[Macadamia The Nut'] blog.
The post was so true...I personally don't think I have a good English vocab for that matter, but well the grammar is just right [not great :D]
And I hate the slangs too! And your 'friend' reminded me of some friends I know...God! it was difficult!
:))
Alright! I m not going to bore you more... good post and Yes let me put this badge on my blog :)
Have fun!
vEENs said...
June 4, 2008 11:47:00 PM GMT+05:30
cheeez i agree with u..whats the point wen ur audience don`t understand ur language..but yes it sometimes difficult to judge how dumb they could be...
Karthick said...
June 5, 2008 8:19:00 PM GMT+05:30
@veens,
thanks for dropping by to comment!I am very glad that you liked the post!And i really appreciate your flaunting my cute lil badge on your blog!Thanks a ton!
Guess i am not the only person on this person who is facing this "ubiquitous" problem!lol:)
rampantheart said...
June 6, 2008 7:44:00 AM GMT+05:30
@karthick, You seem to second my views. Not a bad sign!hee hee!well,thanks for dropping by!
rampantheart said...
June 6, 2008 7:46:00 AM GMT+05:30
People, before anybody points out, i would like to bring to your notice, a small error i forgot to mention!Yep, you guessed it right!The word is "enthused". "I am enthusiastic" is the right form.
rampantheart said...
June 6, 2008 7:47:00 AM GMT+05:30
agreed on each point. I remember one of my friends preparing for GRE and checking on me if i know the words, i believe that post on GRE was the first one where you commented on my blog :)
And yes, all those words are good for exxams only, nobody uses them in real life. It is not like i like my vocabulary. I want to improve a big deal but not in this way by using words 70% of readers wont even be able to understand!
Lena said...
June 6, 2008 1:48:00 PM GMT+05:30
Funny! At times it is hilarious when people try to master the language beyond thier mastery! If you have known any mallus you might know what "humor sense" is! :P
Keep writing, you have an interesting blog!
Green Alien said...
June 6, 2008 2:40:00 PM GMT+05:30
Well, you might call me a "GRE" person, because I like words, the ideas they represent. I like to express myself in a proper fashion.
But I'm not a constant learner of English. I haven't studied Grammar properly for three years now, and it seems that It has deteriorated. I rely on my intuition more than keeping rules in mind.
Thus, I do request you to take a look through my Blog and be my language critic. I'd really like to know of grammatically wrong constructs that I might be using frequently, oblivious to the fact that they are wrong.
Thanks!
Alok said...
June 8, 2008 1:49:00 PM GMT+05:30
Great post I was laughing all the while..
But I have one qualm-- People who have to go to "GRE classes" to "learn" vocab arnt geeks they are in my humble opinion losers who have too much money to spend...
As a geek myself I take total offense at that one point..:D
Filarial said...
June 9, 2008 1:54:00 AM GMT+05:30
Hmm.
Perhaps I'm coming from a different perspective-- because English is my primary language...
Because I am a writer, I take artistic authority to use big, pretty words, especially in my writing. Obviously I take into consideration my audience-- but in particular with my blog, sometimes it's more important that I find the perfect word rather than pray my readers understand it. After all, one of my own staples on the net is www.dictionary.com....
Anyway, I do enjoy a good tease to someone who thinks they're SOOOO smart, to the point that they make an ass of them self. :) Carry on.
Ash said...
June 11, 2008 8:43:00 PM GMT+05:30
Interesting post.
But, I have a feeling that the language itself will survive beyond the attempts of the A's of this world. It will change, get corrupted and take on new forms and meanings...but the essence of any language is 'communication' and I believe the goal that we should be striving for is to enhance communication (I am not talking technology). The role of 'pronounciation' is also greatly exagerrated in a country like ours where english is still a foreign language and people use it as a matter of convenience.
Also, I would think that the criteria for enhancing your vocabulary is not about how many of your readers understand it...its more about your ability to use it in a manner that doesn't seem contrived. Leave it to the reader to use the dictionary if he wants :)
Sorry for the long comment...truly am.
You have an interesting blog, 'n I will be coming back :)
Cheers,
Rahul
ReadnRyte said...
June 12, 2008 1:31:00 AM GMT+05:30
he he he.. Do i know that female??? ANd a gr8 post.. these kinda ppl must be influenced by their profs at college.. ROFL.. I seeing.. U talking. Get outting! ROFL
Sandhya said...
June 12, 2008 9:42:00 PM GMT+05:30
@lena, yes, even i remember the heated comment i left on your blog!lol:)I can't forget that all my life!
rampantheart said...
June 13, 2008 10:14:00 AM GMT+05:30
@green alien, thanks for stopping by to comment!well, unfortunately i haven't had the pleasure to mingle with the sect of people you referred to, but one can't totally generalise!:)
Thanks a lot for the encouraging words.C ya around!
rampantheart said...
June 13, 2008 10:16:00 AM GMT+05:30
@alok, i am very glad that you are the "rules" person and i happen to be one too. But, you don't learn "grammar", and i wouldn't want people to learn and mug up something!I would rather they understands the concepts. the same applies here too!
While i am flattered by your words, i am not actually that great. I am not trying to be modest here. No on is, for that matter. I might be better, but i don't usually correct people.I hate the part. I am not a critic. I am just this bloghopper who loves writing-in general. So grammar or without grammar, if a content pleases me, i would love it.
rampantheart said...
June 13, 2008 10:21:00 AM GMT+05:30
@filarial,Whoa!Did i make someone laugh?Great!Ah!I have accomplished something then!:P
Perhaps you are right but i don't want to be this tough on people!calling them losers seems to be so severe!Poor souls!
Anyway, don't take offence!Just give people some time to change!They will or hey, We'll change them!:)
rampantheart said...
June 13, 2008 10:26:00 AM GMT+05:30
Hi ash, long time no see, man!any way, thanks for voicing out your opinion.
rampantheart said...
June 13, 2008 10:28:00 AM GMT+05:30
@readnryte, Interesting comment!What you have pointed out is entirely true.. ANd know what?i love long comments!I always mark my presence on other blogs with loong comments!:P
You don't have to be sorry for that!
Thanks for the encouraging words. C y a around!
rampantheart said...
June 13, 2008 10:31:00 AM GMT+05:30
@sandy gal,ha ha!no, you don't. I'll tell you about that person when we meet!:P
Get outting and put kneeldown are some of the greatest words and am sure we get influenced by all that crap as we grow. Your comment gives a different perspective to this article. Guess i should write another post on the way our professors and lecturers speak!Thanks for the idea!:D
rampantheart said...
June 13, 2008 10:39:00 AM GMT+05:30
yep, will do that for sure. i think i'll take off the stupid rating thing i've got on my blog and put this badge on there instead :) great post. spot on!
g-man said...
June 17, 2008 6:39:00 PM GMT+05:30
@gman, thanks for stopping by to comment. I would really love that!Thanks
rampantheart said...
June 22, 2008 3:58:00 PM GMT+05:30
I totally agree that many people speak those hefty words just to impress people. I am myself preparing for the GRE thing :D but trust me! You won't find any such thing on my blog or in my speech. Initially lacking in all this depressed me but not any more.
Will soon put up a related post but for now, taking up the badge!
Sach said...
June 23, 2008 2:39:00 AM GMT+05:30
@sach, thanks for stopping by to comment. Now, trust me, this thing is gaining momentum and i sincerely thank every one of you who have supported the cause!
rampantheart said...
June 29, 2008 8:35:00 AM GMT+05:30