I believe in using correct grammar and syntax - in fact, I am obnoxiously passionate about it.  I teach in what is basically an engineering school and I am generally appalled by my students' writing.  However, I think that we need to consider the fact that the world is moving away from what we think of as a written form of communication.  These kids can send a text message in the time it takes me to figure out how to turn on my cell phone or PDA.  I can despise the idea that we are losing "our" method of effective communication, but I am wondering if perhaps we are missing the point.

 

They communicate and they do it on their terms.  I can force them to my terms, but exactly what is the point?  If we are trying to communicate, don't we want to do it on THEIR terms?  I am not so sure that there is a right or a wrong way here.  We need to be more concerned - particularly in a health setting - about whether they hear us and understand.  Text messaging English makes me crazy but they love it and it allows them to communicate rapidly and fairly clearly.  Good grammar and perfect syntax allows 2 very educated people to converse (and pat themselves on the back about how smart they are).

 

Too often we lose the meaning for the structure.

 

Jan Potter, MSTC

Communications Specialist

Partnership for Health and Accountability

770-249-4549

www.gha.org/pha <http://www.gha.org/pha>  

 

Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.
  - Faith Whittlesey

 

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