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Originally Posted by amigos4  Let me weigh in on this issue!
Despite the fact that correct usage is, in a sense, an arbitrary and sometimes an unsettled matter, certain standards do exist; and the careful user of English must abide by them.
Rules for usage are necessary to maintain the uniformity of meaning that language has had across the years. If everyone were suddenly permitted to speak and write as he pleased, a chaotic situation would soon result. Individuals would not be able to construct legal systems, to write contracts, or to engage in the numerous other activities within society that demand clear, precise, and uniform expression. Guidelines for usage, therefore, are actually one of society's most important safeguards.
We, as teachers, have the responsibility of setting and maintaining high standards for our students. Allowing students to use incorrect grammar is an admission that we are willing to compromise our standards! |
I'd say that as teachers, we have the responsibility of educating our students in what the standard is, what the different registers of English are, and how to use them. A standard English is desirable and useful, but it's just a standard. It's not clearer or more precise than another kind of English. Language changes no matter what we try to do to stop it - and language change certainly won't cause the downfall of society. If everyone were suddenly permitted to speak and write as they pleased, I'm not sure what would change. Don't people do that already? They still have to use some sort of standard language to communicate.