Two things recently caused me to contemplate the relationship between reader and writer. The first, a few days ago was an article in the Telegraph by Lynne Truss and the second, today, on an Internet forum. I’ll start with the latter:
why do i have to correct my self as long as you understand what im saying i dont see eneny problem im not the greatest spellier like i care im hear for decent conversations not insolts about my grammer no affence
The writer of this post will remain anonymous as I wish to protect the guilty. I spent (wasted) some effort attempting to explain why, exactly, we need to write clearly, concisely and accurately. Why, exactly, we need to use punctuation and structure our sentences – create sentences, even.
Given that even well constructed correctly spelled and properly punctuated sentences can lead to misunderstanding, it makes sense to apply every effort to accurately convey one’s meaning. Anyone who has savoured the voyeuristic pleasures found in following the increasing animosity of a really juicy flame war on a forum will understand what I am talking about. A missed nuance, misunderstood word – or a post not properly read will lead to an all-guns-blazing row that face to face in a pub would probably not have raised an eyebrow. Unless the protagonists were drunk, in which case anything could happen.
Around 70% of communication is via body language – that’s why written words so frequently lead to on-line arguments. The nuance, tone of voice and facial expression that indicates a lightness of tone is missing. Often a joke is misinterpreted and slight is seen where none is intended. The Pope’s recent experience suggests that even the spoken word can get you into trouble, so careful wording that conveys accurate meaning becomes essential in the written word to minimise the risk of misinterpretation.
Correct spelling, correct punctuation and well structured sentences go some way to mitigating this. Look upon punctuation as the written equivalent of tone of voice. So, too, can misspelled words lead to misunderstanding as meaning becomes mangled beyond recognition:
Whose and who’s, for example mean different things as do; their, there and they’re. Not to mention the frequently transposed accept and except. Look ’em up in a dictionary – the meanings are entirely different. I don’t doubt people could list plenty more where these howlers came from. That’s why we have rules for grammar, punctuation and spelling. That is why, if the writer wishes to be taken seriously, he should make every effort to learn, understand and use them. Then, perhaps, break them.
It is the writer’s responsibility to make every effort to ensure that his prose is legible and easily understood by the reader – it is not the reader’s responsibility to decipher writing that is misspelled, badly constructed and lacking in punctuation. That we frequently do is simply because poor use of English is far too prevalent for readers to become too pedantic. After all, we have a whole a generation that grew up without ever being introduced to the rules of grammar. I’d not read anything if I complained every time I came across badly written English. Having said that, if it is too bad I stop trying and subsequently ignore the poster, which is a pity as they may have something interesting to say.
Lynne Truss cites a good example with a letter she received here
Dear Costumes,
Over the last few months there has been a few situations with the car park, so starting Wednesday 9th August the hotel be cracking down on security.
Every on who pay’s for the car park will have a pass (see customer list) they must show this to reception to get a code if they forget there pass you will be asked you name and company. The reception team will have a copy of all the paying customers.
If you are a way or would like some one else to use your car park space you must give them your pass and let reception know as soon as posible the reception team will not accept any thing else not following the rules may result in paying £10.
Any Problems or Situations please do contact my self, Gary philips or Cherry brown on 01603 XXXXXX
Best Regards,
Anne Farnsbarns
Receptionist
So, do we need a pass and a code, or just a pass? Do we only need a code if we forget our pass? You tell me, because this missive certainly doesn’t. Here, in a beautifully executed example is the answer to my original correspondent’s question. This is why he needs to communicate in clear, accurate English – because if he doesn’t. people will not understand what it is he wishes to say. And what he has to say may one day be of vital importance.
Clarity is the duty owed by the writer to the reader. To fail in that duty is to disrespect the reader. If the writer is unprepared to put effort into his prose, why, then, should he expect it of the reader?
If nothing else that last email would indicate to me that the company would not be one I would like to do business with. I judge companies by their employees and their ability to communicate and (excepting those who have particular issue such as dyslexia) that example is dire in the extreme.