How can we encourage people to learn?

Question

How can we encourage people to learn, and to use correct English in their posts, when other members just do things for them and ignore the English used. Like in this thread

Sorry glittersue, you are not the worst offender, it was just your thread that made me feel I had to ask this question.

People will not learn anything if their translations are done for them without them even trying and it is so confusing for people learning English if people who claim to be fluent cannot use punctuation, capital letters and at least half decent grammar.

None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes, but this is a language learning site, not a text message, please make at least some effort if you claim that you are fluent.

OK rant over

Answer 1

I have one question, what about people learning english like myself?, I know the site is intended for people learning spanish, not english, but Im sure there are a lot of intermediate or advanced english learners on the site that are happy to help with spanish as long as we can practice some english. What about if we make a mistake while trying to explain something in english? is that post going to be closed or sanctioned in some way?

Good question saratoga but I do think this site is a forum of reciprocity..I have noticed almost as many people learning English as those learning Spanish. There are visual and audio tools and flashcards in both languages! - drvicente, Oct 30, 2011

Saratoga, don't be afraid to be helpful. Just do your best. We are complaining about people who are too lazy to even try, and that slows learning for others. - pesta, Oct 30, 2011

Exactly Pesta. Mostly native English speakers who are too lazy to use the shift key. - MaryMcc, Oct 30, 2011

Saratoga, the site does focus a bit more on Spanish-learners. On the other hand, when you set up your profile they ask your proficiency level in Spanish AND English. I take this to mean that non-native English speakers are welcome! - BetsyR, Oct 30, 2011

Agreed w/ Mary. When we say "correct English", perhaps we really mean "non-lazy English". There's nothing wrong with making an 'itelligent' mistake when you're learning a new language. - BetsyR, Oct 30, 2011

Answer 2

In my humble opinion, (and yes I have many) I believe that we need to lead by example and take criticism as a chance to learn and not as a negative thing. As you said, "none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes". I agree but if we are not willing to learn, even in our "native" language, then we've missed the point of the site. You said it best Mary, "this is a language learning site" and we need to keep it that way. It's not for us to change the people that use incorrect English or Spanish, it's our job to correct the errors when we see them so others can understand the language better. The people that want to change will and the people that don't want to will not change the way they post. The want needs to be there and all we can do as a community is offer our help and guide.

Answer 3

Mary, all you and any of us can do is to keep pointing it out on the comments section when you see incorrect English being used by a member. Hopefully they will see the error of their ways and start writing correctly.

¡Bien dicho Eddy! :) - Jason7R, Oct 30, 2011

I agree. I can't think of a more appropriate forum for pointing out grammar and speling issues. If the person doesn't appreicate the feedback, that's okay. At least you tried, and you did what you thought was appropriate. - BetsyR, Oct 30, 2011

Answer 4

you have a good point, sorry to answer that question

Don't worry, it's not just you, that was just one example. I know people are just trying to be helpful. - MaryMcc, Oct 30, 2011

Answer 5

I do not condone the use of abbreviated language in posts.. but unfortunately, it is a sign of the times. Everyone who uses a cell phone to text, or those who tweet, etc., have gotten into a bad habit of taking the quick way out, when it comes to communicating.

When a person joins SD, is it posted in the rules that they are not suppose to use (what us older folks call) short hand? If not, there should be something listed to explain why and ask that they do not use things such as: "R U" for "are you".

Good luck on trying to get people to type correct sentences!

It's not just abbreviations though, it is whole sentence with no capital letter, and no punctuation. Often to the extent that the meaning is not clear at all. - MaryMcc, Oct 30, 2011

Yes, I agree... that also goes along with people trying to type as fast as they can, and being use to their hand held devices capitalizing for them. - Gillygaloo, Oct 30, 2011

I still think it's worth pointing out when people are using text-speak, especially if it's excessive. I worry that some 'kids' out there don't actually know how to write in regular English anymore. - BetsyR, Oct 30, 2011

And now I'm going to be one of those annoying grammar-correctors. Not to offend, Gilly, but you said "...they are not suppose to ...". But it should be, "..not supposed to.." (with a 'd' on the end of 'suppose'). :) - BetsyR, Oct 30, 2011

Well, Betty, I never said I was good at spelling or grammar! ;-) And that phrase has always given me problems... the way you say it sounds like it's past tense. - Gillygaloo, Oct 31, 2011

Answer 6

I have one question, what about people learning english like myself?, I know the site is intended for people learning spanish, not english, but Im sure there are a lot of intermediate or advanced english learners on the site that are happy to help with spanish as long as we can practice some english. What about if we make a mistake while trying to explain something in english? is that post going to be closed or sanctioned in some way?

The site is for learners of English as well as Spanish, as drvoncente pointed out there are lessons in both languages.

Of course you can practice your English, so long as you are happy to accept corrections. Your English is very good, but do remember that in English names of languages have a capital letter.