Error in Grammar: Ignorance or Lethargy?

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The communities we are raised in have a large impact on the way we speak, write, and think. More than likely, northerners are more proper and possess better grammar than that of southerners. Is it ignorance to speak incorrectly? Maybe some people do not know “proper grammar”. Or is it simply lethargy? People become set in their ways and as long as they are understood there is no point in communicating appropriately, simplicity is their aim. These inaccuracies in grammar are not subject to a single gender, racial group, or region, but can give a hint to characteristics like social status. Everyone has their share in it. The source of this links to a person’s foundation and/or education. Over generations and the blending of languages hundreds of years ago, peoples’ language has become “incorrect”, but it should not be difficult to correct it. To be able to analyze the source of this one has to start at the foundation. The rules and methods we are taught to be able to read and write are a big factor in determining how proper our grammar is, or our comprehension. I was taught to read, of course, left to right and then comprehend what I read. While reading, the text should be analyzed. Analyzing consists of who, what, when, where, and why. This is also called thinking critically, and how I was influenced to think. When it comes to writing, a sentence needs a subject and verb, parts of speech, etc. Complete sentences come together to form paragraphs and during the writing process a purpose in essential. Though we are taught how to speak, read, write and think properly, it does not mean we always follow through. Vocabulary is my biggest obstacle. Lack of advanced vocabulary in elementary and middle school has made it difficult in colleg... ... middle of paper ... ...ough, is the education and the community the person was brought up in. Improper grammar can also give way to social class. Poor grammar usually hints a low social class. Conclusively, incorrect grammar can be caused by ignorance or lethargy. Are we willing to better our society and fix this grammar problem, though? If we are willing then we could be the beginning of a chain of proper grammar for generations to come. Works Cited Boucher, Cheryl J., Georgina S. Hammock, Selina D. McLaughlin, and Kelsey N. Henry. "Perceptions of Competency as a Function of Accent." Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research 18.1 (2013): 27-32. Print. Ellis, Dean S. "SPEECH AND SOCIAL STATUS IN AMERICA." Social Forces 45.3 (1967): 431-437. Print. Smitherman, Geneva. "Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America." Waynebook Series 51 (1977): 1-15. Nclive.org. Web.

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