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re: How did you learn how to write using (mostly) standardized English?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:06 pm to StringedInstruments
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:06 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
How did you learn grammar? Do you ever think about grammar when you write, or can you structure sentences correctly without the metacognition that focuses on the rules?
I had a 5th grade English teacher in Gifted/Talented courses that, in addition to having us read Beowulf, Canterbury Tales and some Shakespeare, was big on breaking down language.
No, I never really think about it. I do make a point of writing in complete sentences, though even here. It's one of the many reasons I hate places like Facebook and Twitter. We're communicating here via the written word. If you're mixing up "your" and "you're" and "there", "their," and "they're" then you're likely a poor communicator in general.
0
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:21 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
How did you learn grammar? Do you ever think about grammar when you write, or can you structure sentences correctly without the metacognition that focuses on the rules?
I rarely do.
I think your model is correct. My writing is a product of reading, and I think that's true for most people who write professionally. To put it as simplistically as I can - good writing "sounds right" to me and bad writing "sounds off."
I also think writing on message boards is useful (seriously). You end up writing far more than the average person does in a recreational context. You write for a wide audience and you emphasize clarity/persuasiveness depending on the purpose (usually trying to dunk on some a-hole).
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:22 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
How did you learn grammar? Do you ever think about grammar when you write, or can you structure sentences correctly without the metacognition that focuses on the rules?
It’s entirely intuitive for me.
I couldn’t tell you the first thing about English grammar. I just figured it how it works by reading a lot.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:30 pm to Pettifogger
quote:
I also think writing on message boards is useful (seriously). You end up writing far more than the average person does in a recreational context. You write for a wide audience and you emphasize clarity/persuasiveness depending on the purpose (usually trying to dunk on some a-hole).
Especially in a thread/page format like what you see on TD. You're going to get absolutely fricking shellacked if you write like an idiot.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:39 pm to HempHead
quote:
absolutely fricking shellacked if you write like an idiot.
I don't think the word shellaced has a k in it... You stoopid shite.
Maybe
Eta... I'm wrong.
This post was edited on 12/10/20 at 5:44 pm
Posted on 12/10/20 at 5:42 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
so we discuss exemplar texts
I'm struggling with this one. Exemplar is typically a noun. Texts is obviously a noun....
Posted on 12/10/20 at 6:49 pm to StringedInstruments
My parents spoke English
Posted on 12/10/20 at 7:09 pm to StringedInstruments
I can’t think of the last time I used a transitional phrase during a conversation. Accordingly, I agree with your approach.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 7:13 pm to LCA131
quote:
I'm struggling with this one. Exemplar is typically a noun. Texts is obviously a noun....
I think it’s a term we use in the field of education. Quick google search pulls up a lot from common core using it.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 7:23 pm to StringedInstruments
How did you learn to write?Education and work.
Grammar?Human instructors and compilers.
Ultimately, it boils down to what is being communicated and why. Every expression is either made of or supports some combination of: assertion, interrogation or command. Human nature and history complicates the shite out of it, making it appear complex.
Grammar?Human instructors and compilers.
Ultimately, it boils down to what is being communicated and why. Every expression is either made of or supports some combination of: assertion, interrogation or command. Human nature and history complicates the shite out of it, making it appear complex.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 7:30 pm to StringedInstruments
Mostly I just remember that our teachers at my fairly old school Catholic high school would rip our writing apart if we screwed up grammar.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 7:32 pm to StringedInstruments
I am of the opinion that there is nothing better than diagraming sentences.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:12 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
Seems to be some decent writers here
Do you really teach English?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 8:57 pm to StringedInstruments
I work with a number of people from other countries who are fluent in English. They know English grammar, or at least the British English version of it. Most Americans are taught it in school, but they are taught it after they become fluent in English, so I don't think it really takes hold for most people. Most Americans instead learn grammar by ear and by reading good works. They may not be able to quote the rules, but they can generally tell when something doesn't sound right.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 10:02 pm to SpotCheckBilly
A good read on the subject is Dreyer's English by Benjamin Dreyer. It is cheap on Amazon, and also available on Audible. I listened to the audiobook first and picked up the hardback on Amazon for under $8.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 10:15 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
That’s another point - if the sentence can be understood, does the accuracy of the grammar matter outside of writing situations that require a style guide?
You have no pride in something being done properly?
How do you communicate with others in the future?
I'm already hearing amazingly frequent permutations (or attempts to say something based upon aural reiteration) that destroy American English.
You're of an upbringing which had no proper American English, or just edgey?
Posted on 12/10/20 at 10:16 pm to HempHead
quote:
My dad made me do book reports once a week for things we both read. He would give critical feedback about my writing and analysis, the severity of which depended on my age. I would probably type and sound like a mongoloid without that kind of expectation.
I'm going to guess this is why you can't get laid
Posted on 12/10/20 at 10:24 pm to StringedInstruments
quote:
How did you learn grammar? Do you ever think about grammar when you write
Mostly from reading lots of books, post High School.
Yes, I worry about grammar in my post all the time, but confess, I don’t know the rules of it.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 11:22 pm to IAmNERD
I read a lot of John Updike.
Posted on 12/10/20 at 11:27 pm to StringedInstruments
I was a voracious reader as a kid, so I guess I learned vicariously. I was never good at diagramming sentences and that jazz.
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