English

I am proud of the English language. It is becoming the Esperanto of the world. The language that is most used and learned in most countries of the world. It is the language of business, diplomacy, air traffic controllers, pilots and the principal language of the Internet.

But what is happening to the English language?

For example the word “LIKE” has become the most overused word in the English language. I don’t think a teenager can finish a sentence without using that word, meaninglessly, at least 3 times. For example. “So like, he said to me like do you want to go out and I said like um sure, but like I am not free until like next week”.

What does this repetitive use of “like” add to the meaning of this statement other than to display one’s ignorance? I would rather one said "umm" rather than "like" over and over AND OVER, again.

Similarly when did “Picture” as in “photograph” become “Pitcher”. A pitcher is a container I pour milk from OR a guy who can hurl a fastball. I even hear professional newscasters use “pitcher” instead of “picture” and it makes it to air.

And when did “ask” become “axe”. “He axed me” to most of us means he was trying to kill me.

If this is any indicator, then our educational system is in big trouble? Not only are we producing people who cannot read, but people who cannot speak.

I don't think this has anything to do with the texting shortcuts we all use. You know LOL to mean “Laughing out loud” and brb for “be right back”, and so on. I can understand the need for shorthand - especially for those of us who text while, walking, eating and even driving.

It’s time that basic grammar and literacy are no longer optional. I’m not saying the language should not evolve. But it should evolve not be trashed. We need to stop the devolution before communication reverts to just grunting and pointing. Yes English is a difficult language to learn if you are not born into it, and an even more difficult language to spell because unlike most other languages words are rarely spelled phonetically. But come on people. This is our language. We should be proud of it, ….not abuse it. That’s my two cents.

What do you think.