‘You should always use English correctly’
The statement ‘You should always use English correctly’ in my
opinion is incorrect. Although I do believe using the correct English in some situations, e.g. a job interview, may
make you appear more intelligent, in normal everyday life there should not be a
compulsory form of speech for each individual. Consequently, when you
communicate with friends and family. Imagine feeling forced into pronouncing
each word ‘correctly’. Imagine not even feeling relaxed when gossiping with
your friends. Imagine the world if all people were manufactured the same.
It is certain that the ‘correct’ English is a matter of personal
opinion. It can fall under many categories for example a social group
conformity. This is demonstrated for example from a group of adolescent boys
from East London. Stereotypically, they will be within a social group which
will use a form of slang words. This is a pivotal communication technique
between their group. If we analyse the words of which they refer to such as
‘bruv’ ‘fam’ or ‘blood’ we can infer they use these references to piece together
a ‘family’. If the right to speak freely was taken away from this social group,
then so would their family unit.
The statement of ‘always’ has the possibility of being a
frightening factor. This is evident during ‘jargon’, where code words and
phrases are expressed to alarm who needs to be, and dis-alarm others in events
of crisis. If the statement ‘you should always use English correctly’ was to be
enforced, this could cause a scene of commotion in a preventable situation.
According to statistics, only 20% of British people
speak English correctly. This could be perceived as people wanting to
distinguish individuality. This means using terms and phrases which appeal to
them, and speaking them in an order of their choosing. Some people like to feel
unique, and enjoy the feeling of individuality of speaking ‘incorrectly’. Using
words in a manner of which is sporadic and messy may feel comfortable with some
members of society, as they may want to express a rebellious attitude to some
of the harsh conformities of society.
Everyone should not feel the need to conform to society’s
expectations of how we should always speak ‘correctly’. If you feel comfortable
speaking a certain way, why shouldn’t you be allowed? Higher individuals in our
social hierarchy such as senior corporate executives, senior professionals,
government ministers, etc. do speak what is known as ‘correct’ English.
However, professional life does not have to conflict with a social life. For
example, many people have learned to listen to another’s speak pattern and to
‘bend’ their own speech toward theirs. This will aid communication and get the
other person feeling more at ease. When the other person is at ease and hearing
a familiar speech pattern, they are usually much more receptive to new
information and new ideas, and are a lot more willing to ask questions than if
they feel they will be judged by their speech pattern or choice of words.
The way an individual personally speaks gives them a
form of identity. This may like them to their roots, social class, gender,
family background and social group. Nobody has the ‘right’ to take away
another’s individuality. Which is why I strongly disagree with the statement
‘You should always use English correctly’.
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