How (& Why) do you write English?
Since I see many posts using the word "english" and apparently referring to the language in that language. I was wondering how people think of their native language if it is English. I will give my opinion. Always and everywhere in literature and non-personal media the word is considered a proper noun and therefore the first letter is capitalized by language tradition and custom, if not by "rules of syntax." Because many, but probably not the majority, of people in the world have access to social media principally internet blogs, email, texting (a word apparently not recognized by this machine's spell check), Facebook, Twitter, etc?, there seems to be both an economy of time and effort in using these media to communicate.
I look upon language primarily as a means to communicate, but other important factors include its written form and how that is represented. Obviously there is no official governing body to control the spelling or syntax of the English language. We just have by convention The Oxford English Dictionary in England and I don't even know which dictionary is considered definitive in the United States, perhaps Merrian Webster. So there are at least 2 issues to address when the word "english" appears: 1) Does this communicate? and 2) is it the correct spelling? The answer to 1 is "Yes", and to 2 is "No" (or but not to two, too – a chance to use those 3 words together). Another consideration should be: Do we, the members of this forum, want to allow language that is communicative (a goal which can be accomplished without literacy) but not following the current accepted written form? I keep reminding posters (particularly first-time users) about their incorrect usage of written English as do many others of you who are long time and serious members. I will keep doing this and try to restrain from becoming sarcastic (although that has it's usefulness).
I did find the word "english" meaning "the spin given to a propelled ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist" on thefreedictionary.com/english website. This is fairly long-winded but I said as much as I felt I needed to. What are your thoughts on this matter?
5 Answers
Interesting question. I was in a conversation the other day with a linguist who insisted that I was displaying my ignorance by advocating correct grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. I rather thought he was displaying his arrogance, but that's neither here nor there.
Conventions change over time. All nouns used to be capitalized in English, but that gradually changed after the advent of the printing press. What with the influence of texting, etc., it's entirely possible that in a decade or three no one will be capitalizing "English" or much of anything else.
At this point, though, "textspeak" isn't acceptable in formal, educational, or professional contexts, and it is in those contexts that many members wish to use their new language skills. I think SpanishDict.com will serve its members best by encouraging mechanically correct written communication.
I think sincere learners here and anywhere else are learning for the purpose of elevating themselves personally and/or professionally. So the learning should be correct if that goal is to be achieved. Wrong learning cannot lead to upward progress. Texting with friends is just for that purpose, not for professional development. The mindset needs to be changed when someone goes to a place of learning or comes to SpanishDict.com. When you write something, you are writing for others to read it. It should be written as a good communication that is understood and appreciated by your readers. The word "English" when written correctly can be recognized much more easily than the "bad english". It does not matter whether you write American English or British; just be consistent with what you are writing. And that's the point your communication will convey. If you text, you are not sincere about putting in what it takes to learn.
You are correct that English should be capitalized. And there are people here trying to learn English as well as Spanish.
But you also have to consider the wide range of educational levels and ages of the users of this site, not to mention those to whom neither English or Spanish is their native language. Then you have the influence of "textspeak" which has invaded the young generations.
Remember there was a time when ain't wasn't considered a word yet today you will find it in most dictionaries. Language, both written and spoken, are subject to change with usage, good or bad.
I think moderators should post a comment requesting the correction of spelling and punctuation and after a few hours should simply edit it themselves.
I find it fascinating to see all the different ways that the same English words are written throughout the world. Some examples would be: humor/ humour; center/centre; favorite/ favourite; metre/ meter; realize/ realise, etc. No matter how many different spellings there are for a particular word, the word English has always been capitalized/capitalised. I haven't been to college, but I have always loved the written word. I express this love through my poetry.
It would cost SD money to "auto edit" misspelling of English words and that could not include the differences between US English and British English.
They would have to choose one or the other.
