In current times, I am observing a declining importance given to grammar. In this blog, my specific reference is to English — but it applies to all languages.
When Grammar Mattered
During my childhood, it used to be very embarrassing to make grammatical mistakes, especially while speaking. Children who did so were often ridiculed by others. As a result, we would make our best effort to be correct at all times — sometimes consciously.
Every time a mistake was made, teachers (not just English teachers) and parents would immediately correct it. So the learning was quick! By the time we were in middle school, or in some cases a little later, most students were fairly good at speaking proper English. That is as far as I can recollect.
The Decline I Notice Today
I’ve had the opportunity of meeting some of my classmates in recent times, and I now notice that none of them had grammatical errors whenever they said anything in English. Oddly, I don’t come across many kids or even adults who speak accurately these days. It's not like none, but there is more inaccuracy now a days than olden times.
Those who have come from good schools, especially ICSE, do speak well. But kids educated even from expensive 'international' titled schools are also lacking in good grammar.
It is shocking to me — many people holding very senior positions (which often means many of them are only a few years younger to me) also speak with a lot of grammatical errors. I’m actually amazed why people at the helm of affairs give such low significance to grammar.
Obviously, these people are very capable and have reached top levels in their careers for their proven abilities. And what is equally alarming to me is that even in professions like journalism, where communication is a major part, grammatical errors creep in.
Even in The Hindu newspaper, which is considered a gold standard for English, I occasionally see improper language.
Why Grammar Still Matters
But why, in the first place, is grammar so important at all? When things are being done so efficiently today than older times, why should I dwell so much on grammar that most don’t care about anyway?
For me, there are two main reasons.
1. The Receiver’s Perspective
The receiving person often feels uncomfortable facing grammatical errors. Even if for a split second, their focus shifts from the subject to the mistake. In the eyes of the receiver, the value or respect for a person diminishes if they can’t speak properly — despite having so-called high education, and accomplishments in life.
2. Clarity and Accuracy
Although less frequent, improper grammar can lead to inaccurate messages. Instead of taking what is said at face value, one has to reference it to the context to understand it properly.
The Native Language Comparison
Try understanding this: in our native (mother tongue) language, we don't make grammatical mistakes. So when we converse with others in it, it feels natural and comfortable.
Compare that to a conversation with someone whose native language is different and who knows only enough to communicate. While both may understand the content, the conversation feels awkward — and we tend to label the other person as someone who doesn’t really know our language.
It’s the same thing when speaking with someone who makes many grammatical errors in English.
In Conclusion
Any language is simply incomplete without grammar. It is grammar that makes a language fluid — allowing thoughts to flow clearly, beautifully, and with precision. And it is not difficult to acquire either, if it were given its due significance.
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