More Proof ... If I Needed It!

[debris4spike]

As you know I am pulling out of the profession, for a variety of reasons.

One of the reasons is that I am not impressed with how the profession is going ... within our own ranks!

When I was at college (1979-1983) I actually failed 2 exams the first time I took them.  Most of you will guess the reason - bad English grammer ... it is something I have always struggled with, and for those who have seen my fics (especially my Beta), you will know it's a problem.  And, those who read my general LJ scribbles will know I fight a losing battle most of the time.

However I am aware of it, and while at college, it was picked up on, pulled apart and I was pushed to concentrate and improve.

Now we come to the reason for the Grrrrrr ... As part of the course, now, the 4th years have to do a survey of some sort, and write a report on the answers.  To do that they contact a random selection of the profession and we have about 20 questions to answer on a variety of subjects.  So far, OK.

However yesterday I received a surveya sking about my thought on business building (which made me smile, seeing as I am at the other end of the scale!0 ... but my moan ...

I couldn't actually understand what 2 of the questions were asking.

Yes, I read your journals, I have friends round the world, of all ages and backgrounds, but a final year degree student and I can't understand what she is asking me.

I'm sorry, but it's "another nail in the coffin" ... I may not be good at language skills, but at least I know it, and was checked at college.

Where are the tutors?

Comments

[cbtreks.livejournal.com]

Do you suppose we've become old fogies? I find myself cringing at a lot of writing - even at work. One of the attorneys I work for uses contractions in his business writing which made me raise an eyebrow at first but doesn't disturb me. But he also begins sentences with conjunctions, as I just did. In business writing - pleadings that are being filed in court. It doesn't bother me in the least in personal, informal writing, such as here on lj - I do it myself! But in a legal pleading? "I grow old, I grow old/I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled." :-)

[debris4spike]

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

Papers being done for and by academics often contain absurd amounts of jargon. If the language is familiar to the people reading the paper (because they are in the same field, or whatever), it's just incredibly annoying; if the language is just jargon for the sake of filling the paper with things the author hopes will make him/her sound brilliant, it can read like a foreign language. There appears to be a rule that clear, simple language is a no-no in an academic paper. I would guess the author of your survey was going for sounding more knowledgeable than he/she is.

"eschew obfuscation" Sign seen in many English departments. :)

[debris4spike]

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

[auntiero.livejournal.com]

Oh, please oh please post the questions so we can pick them apart? Please oh please! *grin*

<----iz grammar nerd (but you knew that LOL)

[debris4spike]

Sorry - between typing this and then losing my internet, I posted the reply back ... with a comment that I couldn't answer the 2 questions as I didn't know what they meant!!

[jaded-jamie.livejournal.com]

Wow. No wonder you were shocked. *hug*

[debris4spike]

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

[kudagirl.livejournal.com]

I'm right there with you on the lack of language skills and spelling myself. It's one reason I am shy about allowing a beta to see anything longer than a drabble that I have written. I fear they will read my scribbles and laugh at it.

[debris4spike]

Yes - but your writing is great ... Anyone who can say a complete set of emotions in 100 words - Wow!!!

Yes, Mabel read my last 2 fics - poor girl!

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

[winsomeone.livejournal.com]

I feel your pain. In marketing that same blathering happens all the time. It's annoying beyond belief.

[debris4spike]

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

[colored-leaves.livejournal.com]

I feel your pain. I was not a very good student in grade school/high school/college. I struggled in the area of comprehension within my English studies, plus I couldn't convey my thoughts properly with letters and papers. I did poorly on coursework and exams because I could never fully understand what was being asked and how to write an appropriate response. I basically went off of feelings and emotions on how I felt about a specific topic or question instead of trying to understand the question being asked. That's why I got a two year degree and started in the workforce, I couldn't handle any more schooling for that reason.

While reading and responding to emails and reports come easy to some here at work, it takes me quite a long time to understand at times what people are asking of me via emails - and then in responding to them. I often give more information then needed because I still don't want to admit that I don't fully comprehend what is being asked - the conveying of my thoughts are there too.

That's why I want to go back into an accounting type work; numbers are good to me. I understand numbers and numbers understand me. :)

I will pray that the Lord lead you to the job where your God given gifts can be used and applied.

God bless you, Deb.

[debris4spike]

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

I must be getting old!!!

Yes, Maths was my favourite, and best, subject at school.

Thanks for your love and support, Strace.

[cordykitten]

I think you could use some (((***HUGS***)))

[debris4spike]

Thank you!!

I feel bad moaning when I know I am only talking about 1 language - yet I have no problems reading people like you who are not using their native words!!

[cordykitten]

I get along. :)
(The normal stuff.) But I would never dare to beta a story. Not sure enough of my Grammar for that. ;)

[oldgreymare.livejournal.com]

I have noticed the steady decrease of grammar and punctuation with people, and as you say even in the higher learning areas where it shouldn't happen.

I am only thankful that both my children excel at English and Reading.
Neither of my children like or use the teen speak and abbreviations which are used today.

All of us make typo's and forget to proof read when in a hurry.

I always struggled with Maths and the punctuation part of English at school, it was a struggle but you kept at it.

I hope you are keeping warm.

Love the pics of all the snow, it's the only time lately that I seem to feel cool. Sometimes I wish I could play in it just like Jiffy. {{Hugs}}

[debris4spike]

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

We are the only town (I think) that has now lost it's snow! But it's still quite icy out there.

[shinybaum.livejournal.com]

LOL! I am appalling at grammar, absolutely terrible. Even with apostrophes! I get someone to beta everything I submit to make sure the sentences say what I want them to say, otherwise I wouldn't have so many degrees :D

And yes, don't let an academic survey put you off, they're just trying to look good to their supervisors.

[debris4spike]

I suppose I was so stunned, because I know that my language ability was always questioned at college ... so for me to notice it, this case must have been bad - LOL

I must just be getting old!!