The Evolution of the English Language

For those who adhere to speaking and writing while using the Queen’s English, there may be distress in knowing language endures as an evolutionary process. 

Here are some examples:

Past: How great thou art!

Present: You are great! (or...You Rock!)

Past: Here ye, here ye!
Present: Listen up! (also…Shut up and listen!)

There are certainly rules of grammar and syntax that remain constant with the ages, but there are also nuances continually creeping into the vernacular.

Before a writing class a few years back, I had increasingly noted our language was experiencing the disappearance of the word, “that.”  When I studied the sentences without the traditional “that” I also noticed that to the reader, the word really could have seemed extraneous, or unneeded.  

The writing class teacher explained the “disappearing that” had become more acceptable.

Example using “that”:  The runner that was running in 4^th place sprinted at the end of the race, thus winning it.

Example without “that”:  The runner running in 4^th place sprinted at the end of the race, thus winning it.

Some English fanatics believe if you begin a sentence with the word, “And,” you should always put a comma after it, and you should end the sentence with an exclamation point.  Not all additions to a previous sentence carry home an important point to warrant an ending exclamation.  And, still others believe the exclamation point is like shouting at the end of a sentence, and is often overused.  But if humor is intended in a sentence, it can be funnier that way!

Although it is not often found in written communication, there is an annoying habit exhibited by kids and teenagers.  It is the overuse of the word, “like” while speaking.  The younger set, especially girls, seem addicted to the word.

Example of “like” communication: Margo like went with Steven, to like the movies, to see like “The Hunger Games.”  She like told me, that Sheldon was like there.

I have read pieces written by excellent writers, who keep readers thoroughly entertained by using tightly written sentences, strictly adhering to strong traditional English language rules.  However, I must admit I usually enjoy the writings of those, who have a certain expressive style, and buck up against tradition, to provide artistry and flare!

And, for the staunch user of the English language existing in today’s world of shorthand staccato texts, I can imagine apoplexy is a frequent visitor.  Text messaging certainly wasn’t the proper English taught in classrooms, even a decade ago.

Example of original sentence: Hi There, Because Starbucks is next to the Indian place, I will see you there.  I hope this helps!

Example of today’s text: HT bc *$ is nx 2 NDN plc c u @ *$ HTH

In conclusion, we have come a very long way from thee and thou.  And, that is all right!  The importance of good communication is to share thoughts and feelings.  All great writers infuse their writings with a special artistic style, which touches the spirit igniting a new way of looking at others and the world.  Evolution is meant to be a progressive thing.  So, let’s embrace it!