We need to talk about language

[topaznebula]

Language lovers, writers, grammar-correctors... we need to talk.

In school, we were taught how to recognize an adjective from a noun. We learned when to use "there, their, and they're'' in a sentence. We had points deducted from our grammar quiz if we forgot to make a pronoun plural when talking about a group of people. These grammar rules were

Comments

[karmasoup]

Thank you for this. My husband is a student of history, and often points out that the more one studies history,* the harder it is to hang on to bigotry. (*or rather, as he does, digs for true history, as you so well pointed out we have often been spoonfed a "whitewashed" version that makes the majority more comfortable.)

[banana_galaxy]

This is so important. I used to get twinges of discomfort over some grammar errors, but not to the extent I'd correct people for them. I recognize now that it also comes from a place of privilege, and I shouldn't judge others because their language differs from mine.

And yes, so much of these issues are based in bigotry.

[static_abyss]

I wholeheartedly agree with every thing you have said here.

[nikkiii_brown]

This had lots of very thought provoking points for me. Really enjoyed it.

[alycewilson]

Very thoughtful. I appreciate your analysis ans explanations and confess that I used to be someone who was uncertain about the singular "they" until it was explained to me. Since then, I have tried to respect it.