10.19.2010

On Words


British comedian/mad genius Steven Fry has given me a lot to think about.

I am uppity about language, passionate about words. I hold a degree in being pretentious about English — a degree! I am one of those people you see rolling their eyes at the misuse of apostrophes and misspellings on fast food message boards. When Steven Fry talks about elitist, pretentious holders of words, who maintain a monopoly on language, he's talking about me. Me, and people like me.

So I feel guilty. Because he's right.

Who am I to hold the words? Why am I more qualified to use them than you are, than she is, than he is? Don't words belong to everyone, in equal parts? Is not language the sum of everyone's thoughts, feelings, emotions, innovations, bright ideas, professions of love and hate and apathy?

Honestly, who am I to keep all of these words to myself? Sure, I know the rules. I know why this comma goes here and this semi-colon goes there. I know what an Oxford comma is, that you shouldn't split your verb phrases, and that over (or under) is volume and more than (or fewer than) is quantity. But why, I ask again, does this entitle me, and people like me, to keep words for ourselves?

What happened to freedom and experimentation? Who is pushing the boundaries now in language, in writing, in storytelling? How many more hypothetical questions can I pose before I drive myself insane, get in the car, and careen off the nearest cliff?

One more, is the answer. Exactly one more hypothetical question.

Why don't more people love words?

If it's my fault, I'm sorry. 

9 comments:

  1. This is very informative, but if anyone is looking for a Computer Repair company. NetStf offers quick and reliable computer service and repair at a reasonable price, furthermore receive free phone advice about your computer problem and any other questions that you may have. For troubleshooting tips and suggestions, please see Services category.

    No need to haul your desktop, laptop, or notebook computer to a computer repair shop every time it needs service or repair only to wait a week or more to get it back. NetStf will come directly to your home or office and solve your computer problem right on the spot.

    All work is guaranteed, so if we don't solve your computer problem, you don't pay. Simply call us to select an appointment time that fits your schedule. We offer same day, next day, after hours, and weekend service.

    Please take a quick look at www.netstf.com so you can make an informed decision before employing the services of a computer repair technician.

    Call us anytime; we are available to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    561.921.1536

    Best Computer Repair and Laptop Repair Services at Boca Raton FL, Boynton Beach FL, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Deerfield Beach and Lake Worth.

    laptop repair boynton beach,boca raton computer repair,computer repair boca raton,computer repair boca raton fl,computer repair boynton beach,computer repair boynton beach fl,computer repair deerfield beach,computer repair delray beach,computer repair delray beach fl,computer repair lake worth fl,computer repair palm beach,computer repair palm beach gardens,computer repair west palm beach,deerfield beach computer repair,delray beach computer repair,laptop repair boca raton,laptop repair delray beach,palm beach computer repair,pc repair boca raton,boynton beach computer repair,computer repair royal palm beach,computer repair palm beach gardens fl,computer repair in west palm beach,computer repair west palm beach fl,west palm beach computer repair

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi there, awesome site. I thought the topics you posted on were very interesting. I tried to add your RSS to my feed reader and it a few. take a look at it, hopefully I can add you and follow...


    computer repair palm beach gardens

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi friends..........your blog goods
    Laptop Repair Lake Worth
    Very informative blog. Thanks for the steps you have described.Laptop Repair company in Gurgaon

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Situs Game Online dengan Persentase Kemenangan yang Paling tinggi..
    Menang Berapun Pasti Dibayar !!!
    BonsaiQQ
    BonsaiBola
    Bonsai4D
    BolaMania
    Jadwalsepakbola

    ReplyDelete

All comments are strictly moderated by this blog's administrator. Obscene, hateful, or otherwise offensive comments will not be tolerated. Racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks have no place on this blog. Spam will be promptly reported and deleted. For more information on R#09's moderation policies, please check the FAQs.