
- 210 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
Why It's OK to Have Bad Spelling and Grammar
About this book
Grammatical errors and orthographic mishaps are often played for laughs, but this subtle sanctioning by the sticklerocracy can have real social consequences too. Attention to prescriptive spelling and grammar rules is insidious and harmful.
As Jessica Flanigan argues in Why It's OK to Have Bad Spelling and Grammar, grammarianism often maintains hierarchies, entrenches the advantages of privileged groups, and imposes arbitrary barriers to knowledge production and innovation. For example, the stigmatization of bad spelling and grammar disadvantages linguistic minorities, non-native speakers, and people with disabilities. Spelling and grammar norms are also frequently arbitrary and unnecessary. The petty grammandos among us, who cling to pedantic linguistic conventions, are standing in the way of innovative forms of communication and efficient speech, such as the emoji ?. For these reasons, Flanigan argues that bad spelling and grammar are OK. It's time to break free from the tyranny of the grammilitia in the name of comprehension and creativity. As long as speakers and writers can effectively communicate to charitable listeners and readers, people shouldn't care about bad spelling and grammar.
Key Features
- Explains why spelling tests and spelling bees are counterproductive in achieving literacy and better communication
- Engages with the history of language policing and the brave anti-grammarian resistance
- Describes some of the key benefits of linguistic liberalism
- Proposes a political agenda to resist the sticklerocracy and overthrow a world of word nerds
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover Page
- Half-Title Page
- Series Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1 Grammarians and Grammar School
- 2 Spellocratic Sanctioning
- 3 Sticklers and Stigma
- 4 Pedants and Progress
- 5 A World Without Word-Warriors
- Appendix
- Notes
- Index