Are You a Language Bully?

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Slava
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Are You a Language Bully?

Postby Slava » Sat Sep 07, 2013 6:07 pm

Even though some of us can be a tad pedantic about meanings at times, I'm quite sure none of us is a bully, but I expect we all know one or more.

From Slate.com: Are You a Language Bully?
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.

Philip Hudson
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Re: Are You a Language Bully?

Postby Philip Hudson » Sat Sep 07, 2013 8:29 pm

If one frequently "corrects" people about language in ordinary conversation, then she/he is a language bully. If one decries, for example, the use of less instead of fewer, in the privacy of one's home, not so much. My wife and I cringe and moan when someone on television or the radio makes a language flub.

On a forum like the Agora, one should be able to state his/her point, whatever it is, without rancor on her/his part and on the part of the forum members. That way we avoid being language bullies.

If anyone catches me at it, please inform me.
It is dark at night, but the Sun will come up and then we can see.

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Slava
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Posts: 8040
Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:31 am
Location: Finger Lakes, NY

Re: Are You a Language Bully?

Postby Slava » Thu Sep 19, 2013 3:10 pm

I just came across a 3-year old post on the Chronicle of Higher Education titled 10 Tips on How to Write Less Badly. Sadly, the comment section is closed. I wanted to "bully" the author for his first sentence:

"Most academics, including administrators, spend much of our time writing."

"Less Badly," might that not include subject/pronoun agreement? :P

Not one of the commenters caught him out on this one.
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.

Philip Hudson
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 2784
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:41 am
Location: Texas

Re: Are You a Language Bully?

Postby Philip Hudson » Fri Sep 20, 2013 1:49 am

Perhaps the author, if called down for using "less badly", might reply, "My bad." He could have simply said, "better".
It is dark at night, but the Sun will come up and then we can see.


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