Stephen Fry is the high priest of the English Language. He's a word wizard, a linguistic master, and a national treasure of England. He is inimitable, unmatchable, and quintessentially English. The pen falters, and the lexicon runs dry in attempting to describe the literary prowess of this polymath. His books, articles, films, documentaries, and TV shows have given me countless hours of amusement and delight.
Here’s a clip of Stephen Fry declaiming against overempahsis on grammar and inveighing against pedants of the English language.
“There is no right or wrong language, just as there are no right or wrong clothes” he says, “it all depends on context, convention, and circumstance.” How far do you agree?
4 comments:
It DOES all depend on what you're saying, when you say it, and most of all how you say it, because a person believing that he is indeed using the language the way it is supposed to be used, yet doesn't bother with using his words for the betterment of humanity, to write stories and insights, visions and conquests but rather settle for the correction of an editorial error or minute mistake. One that insinuates inferiority at such mishaps should not, as he is further digging himself into the hole of hypocrisy, but should rather understand the thoughts behind greater words and legendary analogies or better yet create their own exemplars for future generations to consider, contemplate and cogitate.
Wow.
Well, answering the question, I most definitely see his point. It’s time people learnt that the English language is something that is fun and isn’t as strict as it appears to be: perhaps that’s why there are less word connoisseurs in the first place, because they believe that words can’t be teased with and are dull and stodgy and pretentious.
At the same time though, I LOVED Lynne Truss’ book Eats, Shoots and Leaves. To quote Meryl Streep in the film A Series Of Unfortunate Events, ‘Grammar is the greatest joy in life, don’t you find?”. Part of the reason English is such a skill is because of the rules. I don’t think that grammar sticklers are snobby in any way, we just take great pride in beautifully used grammar, and so it brings some anger when one catches it used incorrectly.
I think that just like there are different types of dance, English must also make room for different styles of usage. Perhaps then it shall gain the adoration and appreciation it much deserves.
I really do agree with what he was saying but I also think there should be guidelines to follow. I mean grammar rules and the general rules of the english language were not made for people 2 strt tlkin like dis 4 example.
Well it would be hard to disagree with what he said after watching that video but he is right as long as people understand what you say and how you say it who are we to condemn your language.However Marwan does make a good point.
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