Good Command of the Language

Small Boy SG

In the name of creativity, please do not compromise on the standard of the language.

These days, anyone who can pen, doodle, scrawl, type, talk seems to produce things for people to read. So long as they are for his private reading, standards as regards the use of language are not that important. However, if the writings are meant for the world, then, the writer must take pains to write grammatically and idiomatically.

That is the unwritten covenant between the writer and the reader.

[This message has been edited by Small Boy (edited 08 April 2001).]

Ferret SG

*thinks*

But it also relates to what type of audience right?

Small Boy SG

I reckon you're talking about readability: surely, when writing for children in kindergarten, we shall not use lofty style and vocabulary as if we are writing for some conventions.

Even then, we should not be ungrammatical and unidiomatic.

Rald Dalh (I hope I've got his name right) is a perfect example. He writes for adult and children. He varies his style and diction. He writes grammatically nonetheless.

[This message has been edited by Small Boy (edited 09 April 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Small Boy (edited 09 April 2001).]

Crumbs SG

I'm partially in tandem with your statements.
BUt I do also feel tat as long as the ideas are carried out in a smooth manner..simplicity and minor grammatical error need not to be taken much into consideration.
I've posted a new topic on the reforms of sgforum in the feedback section...your argument was part of my point listed.
DO feel free to read up on my thread " An ailing site ".

Crumbs SG

oh yea just to add on
Its Ronald DahL u're talking bout.
I almost finished all his works during my sec sch days leaving only probably one or two books left unread. ;P

Priscilla SG

err... if all you guys are referring to the one who wrote chocolate factory- it's Roald Dahl. Smile

Hi, Small boy, exact sentiment on the part of not compromising the language. But still, being in the studies of linguistic and communication myself, I do not reckon you heard of a phrase, a method of "creative writing"? There are basically no fixed rules in languages. Minority groups develop their own style of language, so long as among themselves, it forms a form of communication.

If you are referring to writing for the masses, then of course, target audience is one key element to consider.

if it's the grammar you are concern, then this is no place to discuss, because, it has to go all the way back to primary school studies.

So, basically, I am replying this message because I don't think your argument / point of views are properly set out. Am interested to hear your views. Smile

cheers all!

chamenos SG

Don't mind me asking but what provoked you to mention this? I believe most of us use the correct and proper form of english where appropriate, ditto for singlish. Smile