Why Grammar Snobbery Has No Place In The Movement

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Melissa A. Fabello argues that the distinction between understanding language and demanding perfect grammar is often blurred, noting that outright grammar snobbery can reinforce societal privileges and biases. The question of whether correct grammar is always necessary invites nuanced discussion. I believe that while proper grammar can facilitate clear communication, it is not an absolute indicator of intelligence or worth. For example, many linguists argue that "bad" grammar is often a reflection of socioeconomic background, education access, or cultural differences rather than a lack of intelligence (Lippi-Green, 2012). This aligns with Fabello’s point that rigid notions of “correct” grammar can perpetuate privilege and exclusion, particularly privileging those from dominant social groups who conform to standardized language norms.

When I hear improper grammar in speech or writing, I feel a mixture of patience and understanding, recognizing that language is fluid and contextual. However, I might also experience frustration if clarity is compromised, especially in formal or professional settings. Conversely, when someone corrects my grammar, my reaction varies: sometimes I appreciate the guidance, but other times I feel annoyed or patronized, especially if the correction suggests superiority or dismisses my intent (Fitzgerald, 2015).

In terms of social scenarios, I believe that adhering to proper grammar is important in formal settings like work or academia, where clarity and professionalism are essential. However, in casual conversations among friends or family, flexibility with grammar is acceptable and can foster more genuine communication. Fabello’s perspective encourages us to question the societal standards that define correctness, recognizing that language is deeply tied to identity and social privilege. Ultimately, language should serve understanding, not reinforce exclusion or hierarchy (Labov, 1972).

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Language is a powerful tool for communication, identity expression, and social interaction. The debate over whether correct grammar always matters hinges on understanding the contextual, social, and cultural functions of language. Melissa A. Fabello’s article, “Why Grammar Snobbery Has No Place in the Movement,” challenges the rigid standards of grammatical correctness, suggesting that such norms often serve to uphold societal privileges rather than facilitate genuine understanding (Fabello, 2015). This perspective invites a broader discussion on the social implications of grammar, the potential prejudices embedded within standards of “correctness,” and whether strict adherence to grammar rules is always necessary or appropriate.

One critical aspect of this debate is the relationship between grammar and intelligence. Commonly, society equates educated speech with intelligence, implying that those who speak or write with “proper” grammar are more intelligent. However, linguistic research indicates that grammatical errors do not reflect a person’s intelligence but often relate to socio-economic background, cultural dialects, or language exposure (Lippi-Green, 2012). For example, many regional dialects and non-standard English varieties possess complex grammatical systems that codify cultural identity. Judging these dialects as “incorrect” reinforces social hierarchies and privileges, aligning with Fabello’s argument that societal norms around language often mirror existing privileges, such as class or race (Fitzgerald, 2015).

When I encounter improper grammar in speech or writing, I tend to approach it with patience and empathy. I recognize that language is inherently variable and adaptable; context is crucial. For instance, informal conversations among friends often allow for grammatical looseness without sacrificing the message’s clarity. Conversely, in professional or academic settings, proper grammar is essential for credibility and effective communication. When someone corrects my grammar, my response ranges from appreciation for helpfulness to annoyance, particularly if the correction feels condescending or unnecessary. This underscores that the importance of grammar varies depending on the situation and the intent behind communication (Labov, 1972).

In conclusion, while clear communication is vital, it should not come at the expense of inclusivity or cultural recognition. Grammar serves as a social tool—its rules and norms can reflect privilege and reinforce societal hierarchies. Therefore, I believe that the use of “improper” grammar is permissible in informal settings among friends and family, where authenticity and connection matter more than adherence to arbitrary standards. However, in formal contexts such as work, education, or public discourse, maintaining proper grammar remains important to ensure clarity and professionalism. Fabello’s insights remind us to question the societal standards of correctness and to promote language practices that foster understanding rather than exclusion.

References

• Fabello, Melissa A. “Why Grammar Snobbery Has No Place in the Movement.” Psychology Today, 2015.
• Fitzgerald, Thomas. “Language and Society: An Introduction to Sociolinguistics.” Routledge, 2015.
• Labov, William. “The Social Stratification of English in New York City.” Center for Applied Linguistics, 1972.
• Lippi-Green, Rosina. “English with an Accent: Language, Ideology, and Discrimination in the United States.” Routledge, 2012.
• Fasold, Ralph. “The Sociolinguistics of Society.” John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
• Heller, Monica. “Language and Identity at the Margins.” Routledge, 2018.
• Trudgills, Peter. “Sociolinguistics: An Introduction to Language and Society.” Penguin Books, 2004.
• Wolfram, Walt. “Dialect Death or Language Change? The Sociohistorical Reality of American Dialects.” Santa Barbara: University of California, 2007.
• Johnson, Keith. “An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching.” Routledge, 2014.
• Crystal, David. “Making Language: The Study of Phonetics, Grammar, Text, and Context.” Penguin Books, 2015.