R.I.P. the English Language.

"I chose numbers over words and words over meaning..."
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In a world where English is rapidly becoming the universal language and a high percentage of the world now has the opportunity to learn English, I find it increasingly appalling that most of us are contributing to the Death of the English Language. From the books we read to the way we speak and type, the use of words, grammar and punctuation has transformed from a sophisticated and structured art form to an often sloppy and incoherent drawl. Perhaps we should embrace the change, I mean, why not replace 'you' with 'u'? Why do we need to know the difference between homophones such as 'aloud' and 'allowed' and the three 'there' words?

Language used to empower us. It used to say something about the way we felt or describe something that couldn't be expressed in any other for. Language created an identity for the human race. It elevated us above our animal counterparts. Without language there would be no memory of the Duchess of Devonshire or Marie Antoinette. Without language I couldn't be typing this at this very moment.

Most facets of society are being sucked into this illiterate vortex one by one. Instant messaging services such as MSN and text messaging are one of the first listed under the 'Suspects' heading. Yes, I know that it is more convenient to write 'c u l8r', as opposed to 'see you later', but what's to stop us (especially young people) from writing full words as a bunch of characters in our next essay or assignment? As well as shortened words, what about all the acronyms like 'LOL' and 'ROFLMAO'? Sorry, but if you go to all that trouble to say you're laughing, then chances are, you're really not. Let's stick to the good old 'hehehe' or 'haha' next time? All that abbreviation is retarding the current generation's ability to express themselves coherently.

Magazines hold the number two spot after technology as a suspect. Isn't it a bit sick, recommending books to 'help you look like a celebrity' or 'make every man want you'? This just boils down to a lack of self respect, confidence and an open mind. I'm pretty sure we didn't have some of these problems with self image and sex lives until popular magazines such as Cleo and Cosmopolitan told us we did. Most of the time, these sources are killing the English Language [in terms of the purpose of literature] because they tell us what's right and what's wrong in everything we ever do. Our jobs, our attitudes, our relationships. Everything right down to the amount of mascara we apply is rated, critiqued and at times, corrected. But hey, I myself, am doing what the magazines do right now. I'm varying away from the true purpose of my writing.

Next on the list is common dialect. Wassup, bruh? I don't know, maybe you could tell me what's going on. Some of the most intelligent people I know say 'Youse' instead of 'You all'. I'm going to be very rude and say it now. It makes you sound dumb, not cool. I mean, is it so hard to speak properly? You know how to, but choose not to. May I finally add that it is not a bad thing to have a solid vocabulary? Even Mitchell Johnson [In the Australian Cricket team, if you didn't know] wishes he had a bigger vocabulary so he could "argue better with people like Andrew Symonds."!

So to the world that has the means to be incredibly intelligent and communicative, try reading a classic book, maybe some Austen or Dickens. To those who are fighting back against the impending death, thank you, and keep it up. Your books and efforts are not lost completely. Some of us still appreciate a good read and a witty conversation. To those who are murderers. Try harder to break the habit. I mean, you don't want the next generation to not know what the word 'ambition' means or what an ellipsis is, do you?

The End. More or less...
Stephanie Amber. ©

The Aftermath.

At the end of the day you look back. I think every day we look back on it, thinking something different. Even if it is only slightly different, it doesn't matter. Well, I look back on today with mixed feelings, I suppose.

The day started where I left off in the last blog in which Michaela and I were staying up all night and then made plans to go visit our drinking friends. We were making noodles and drinking creaming soda and playing Ninja Kids. And then we won all the arcade games and stuff. Was fun, though I think that really wore me out. It is 10:51 pm and I am still awake. I think that means I've been awake for at least 30 odd hours. Which is pretty impressive considering my holiday sleeping patterns.

I was quite proud of ourselves the way we navigated through uncharted territory to a place quite unknown without any help. We women have very good travel and directional instincts! It was a fun day for the most part. Other bits, interesting, I guess. The guys were really nice and I kicked arse at Wii™ Bowling. It was pretty awesome.

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I have a little something on my mind. I think I might've said something in previous entries about 'no regrets'. Having no regrets and all that jazz. I've just realised something; a lot about this policy is dependant upon other people. I mean, they way people treat you after certain things occur, etc, the comments they make, or the looks they give, certainly count for something when you go over things of the past, distant or near. I mean when someone unloads their opinion onto you, can make it a hell of a lot easier or a hell of a lot harder to apply this whole 'no regrets' thing. It would be nice, I suppose, if people, especially people that are not particularly burdensome to be around could respect the things you do, the choices you make, no matter how poor or ridiculous they are, because once they've been made, they can't be withdrawn. I think it would be nice if people would be a little accepting, 'cause sometimes it doesn't make me (or anyone for that matter) feel any better about things. I wish regret and hindsight could be left up to the individual. Why do people get treated differently after shit like that? Why is it awkward?

And there I went on another one of my long blog posts. And to be honest, I didn't mean to, things just happen. Ha. Ha.

Adios. To things.

Stephie D ♥♠♣♦