I might be a grammar snob, seriously. Well, at least according to Sarah. Right before class I’m tutoring a history major who brought in a paper about the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum. The student referred to Native Americans as Indians. Little did I know that we were still living in the 19th century. Maybe General Custer will fair better this time around at Little Big Horn. Anyways, I comment on the student’s use of “Indians” to Sarah and Cara who just start laughing. Then, out of left field, Sarah emphatically calls me a grammar snob.
I’m hurt Jackie.
Now that the therapeutic portion of my blog is complete, I should talk about the text. I absolutely loved the discussion about the different style books. Similar to the author, I think it’s ridiculous how many style books we have. Each one of them makes my life more difficult. Why can’t there just be one all-inclusive style manual. This would make complete logical sense, which is probably why it’ll never happen.
Also, the chapter about the different language we use to communicate through text messages, AIM, and email (or is it e-mail?) was humorous. I have to agree with the grammar snobs on this one though. Let me be very clear on this point. I CANNOT STAND TEXT MESSAGING AND THE CRACKPOT LANGUAGE PEOPLE USE! Okay, I feel better.
I wouldn’t be so fired up about it if people were able to distinguish when using this type of language is appropriate. However, many young students are beginning to use this type of language in academic papers, which is unacceptable.
But let’s be honest, it’s bad form. When I go home to Warsaw and look over my little sister’s homework I see acronyms instead of words. I feel embarrassed for her. This AIM talk is the death of future generations. Call me crazy, but just wait and see. Next thing we know, the spelling bee will be asking the meaning of AFAIK (As Far As I Know) or DQMOT (Don’t Quote Me On This). I cringe when I’m out at the bar and I hear some valley girl say “OMG” in an actual conversation. I just want to say, “Umm, seriously, you’re in college.” These AIM acronyms are destroying the fabric of America.
Okay, that might be a little extreme. But really, the whole situation leaves me wondering, WTF?
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1 comment:
I'm sorry I called you a grammar snob. In fact, although I don't see the issue with the term "Indians," I do partially agree with you on the AIM talk. I for one am not cool enough to understand what most of the acronyms (beyond lol, omg, and brb) mean. Therefore, I will snob away with you on that one :)
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