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A Word on Words By Martina Hutchins Society for the Preservation of English Language and
Literature (SPELL) Class is under way! It is time for our English lesson. Ah, you are groaning. That is fine; I expected to be met with a certain degree of resistance today. I am sure you would rather be at the beach, enjoying the salty surf, or, better yet, at home in your warm bed. I know that at this moment the classroom is the last place that you wish to be on the planet. However, I believe I can change your mind about the importance of good English, if you will lend me your attention for a brief moment. I promise to return it promptly when I am finished. New let us begin. I would like to show you that language is not simply a tool designated for mundane tasks, such as asking your father to pass the cauliflower or answering the telephone. Language is an art. Speech is a ladder one can climb to reach clear thoughts and vivid images. Those who wield their words well can ascend to a high place of lucid, precise speech, filled with absolute and unambiguous meaning. Those who fumble with words, who become hopelessly tangled in contorted grammar and Frankenstein patchwork sentences, will forever remain below the cloud cover of miscommunication. Heed this advice if you wish to make something of yourself: The manner in which you arrange your words matters. When you open your mouth and speak, you will be illuminated, as if by a spotlight, and all will take note of you. The way in which you order your words, like beads on a string, is important if you wish to shine. I see you rolling your eyes heavenwards now. I hear you inquiring sarcastically if any soul alive today actually cares about the difference between “effect” and “affect” or whether you end your sentence with a preposition. I will reply with strong conviction: Yes, people care! Do not forget that you are building yourself, defining yourself, with every utterance that leaves your lips. Therefore, be sure to form your words, sentences, paragraphs, stories and Great American Novels with intention. Do not sprinkle apostrophes like confetti; it’s not correct to write of a tree and “it’s leaves.” Think before you write. Edit and correct your work. Walk over your sentences again and again to make sure they are sturdy. Dissect your contractions and unravel the etymology of your words. Get to the root of every thought! Trust me: When your letters line up on your page, radiantly clear and strong, a deep satisfaction will reward your effort. If you follow my advice and become skilled at the art of language, you will be recognized; others will find you an interesting and memorable conversationalist. If you decide to squander your words, waste your adjectives, put your grammar rules in your back pocket and forget about them, you will be a menace to clear and precise communication. You will be nothing but an inkblot or a smudge. The choice is yours. This concludes my lecture today. Before you leave be sure to sharpen your pencil and your tongue. |