Between You and I the English Language is Going to the Dogs

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Filmed at the Royal Geographical Society on 5th March 2014.
The English language is going to the dogs. "Between you and I" is just one of the howlers those of us with linguistic sensibilities have to endure. The distinctions between words such as 'infer' and 'imply', and 'uninterested' and 'disinterested' are disappearing. Americanisms such as 'gotten', 'different than' and 'can I get..?' abound. Every office resounds with horrible new jargon such as 'going forward', 'deliverables', 'touch base' and 'heads up'. Infinitives are split, participles dangle. Language is based on established practice and rules. When the rules are continually (and that isn't continuously) broken, the language suffers and those who care suffer too.
That's the line taken by the so-called sticklers in this debate, but they are mistaken according to laissez faire linguists. English wasn't set in stone by 19th-century grammarians -- the kind who decreed it's wrong to split an infinitive in English just because you can't in Latin. Language changes but that doesn't mean it's in decline. Traditionalists may argue that digital technology has a pernicious effect on language, but in fact children who text a lot have higher rates of literacy. And it's hard to deny that Facebook, Twitter and email have enriched the expressiveness of our language: ten years ago who could have written "OMG he's RTd my selfie!!"

[@megg.6651]

Thank you for pointing out that the best way to teach students English is to explain that there are different registers used depending on the situation. I am a high school teacher and this is how the Language Arts teachers in our school teach conventions of speech.

[@cb2ndjml]

From a blog entry by Adam Gopnik: The war against euphemism and cliché matters not because we can guarantee that eliminating them will help us speak nothing but the truth but, rather, because eliminating them from our language is an act of courage that helps us get just a little closer to the truth. Clear speech takes courage. Every time we tell the truth about a subject that attracts a lot of lies, we advance the sanity of the nation. Plain speech matters because when we speak clearly we are more likely to speak truth than when we retreat into slogan and euphemism; avoiding euphemism takes courage because it almost always points plainly to responsibility. To say ‘torture’ instead of ‘enhanced interrogation’ is hard, because it means that someone we placed in power was a torturer. That’s a hard truth and a brutal responsibility to accept. But it’s so. [If I recall correctly, Gopnik was commenting on the American detention center in Guantanamo Bay, but I think the point about language and responsibility is relevant. ]

[@tigran56]

Thanks for that

[@tigran56]

Thanks for that! Brilliant thought.

[@joannageorge7305]

Spot on. Euphemism are the language of insecure people. While acting morally superior.

[@CLARlCEsotl]

I think it is safe to say that what the majority of people consider to be a good grasp of the English language is a comprehensive knowledge of the framework and rules and the ability to play with those rules. What we do not do today is teach those rules. It is like asking a child to write music and be creative before teaching them how to play an instrument.

[@martinledermann1862]

+clarry kitten Exactly! Once you know the rules, you can start playing and fooling around with them but without any basic common standard we might just end up failing to understand anyone except for the people from the same region or whichever variant becomes the most popular simply due to the sheer size of the community using it (so in case of the UK it might be some combination of Arabic and English and in the US a mixture of Spanish and English).

[@asthmen]

+Barney Laurance I think the analogy holds if you give the child one of those metal xylophones when she's very young and let her grow up with it. (Under these assumptions, she is for some inexplicable reason fascinated with the instrument throughout her entire childhood). The analogy holds but you must make allowances.

[@casiandsouza7031]

At my Cambridge overseas oral English exam it took me some time to understand that the examiner was not interested in my answers but my ability to answer.

[@thisinenglish]

As was I, when I was a language trainer. Proficiency and form was were my/our focus even if and when the substance was intriguing. And this I would clearly state, to the student.

[@thisinenglish]

As was I, when I was a language trainer. Proficiency and form was were my/our focus even if and when the substance was intriguing. And this I would clearly state, to the student.

[@thisinenglish]

As was I, when I was a language trainer. Proficiency and form was were my/our focus even if and when the substance was intriguing. And this I would clearly state, to the student.

[@thisinenglish]

As was I, when I was a language trainer. Proficiency and form was were my/our focus even if and when the substance was intriguing. And this I would clearly state, to the student.

[@thisinenglish]

As was I, when I was a language trainer. Proficiency and form was were my/our focus even if and when the substance was intriguing. And this I would clearly state, to the student.

[@kopeinokai5370]

The distinction between "speak" and "talk" seems to have been lost on the panel as is the distinction between a living and a dying language. A living language builds vocabulary . A dying language is ultimately reduced to grunts.

[@preteristlab-endtimes5683]

Its interesting that they did not mention the distinction between formal and informal language use. The 'getting it right' is about the definite and exact use of formal language. In teaching we need to learn the formal rules so that we have an option. Only knowing the informal colloquial use leaves a person open to the criticism of being 'uneducated;' but I must say it was a pleasure listening to such wonderful speakers of English. Thank you one and all.

[@armandoc.3150]

I think they are indirectly arguing that because that's pretty much the same as when they said they agree on the basics. It's just the complexities of the language they argue and if we should care if someone does it correctly.

[@jeremysmith8035]

All languages change all the time.17th century english would be unintelligable to the average britain in the 20th century

[@gto433]

The against side were going after some sticklers that didn't exist in the debate. The problem is a basic level of standard grammar should be taught to all, but which is not being done today in schools. I'm guilty of it too.

[@madeinengland1212]

You don’t need to teach language; you read and have a sense of aesthetic. Actors, speakers, announcers should be exemplars to help everyone improve. Just listening to Anton Lessor on an audio book is a free education.

[@thisinenglish]

No, many aspects of language do in fact need to be taught.

[@Dragonthreek]

English language is beautiful in many ways; in many dialects and accents. This does need to be taken into the account. Yet here on KZbin we all meet and speak the language, that we all understand. I love to polish my English. I'm Polish.

[@reginaldmolethrasher437]

59:40 Mary Beard suggests that we haven't 'given up' on making differences in language such as that between 'uninterested' and 'disinterested', but that we've found other ways of expressing that difference. Once again, she speaks for the educated, who might well understand what that difference is between the two and are able to express it in other language. No such luxury for those who don't understand the difference, because they've never been taught one or the other. The Kamm/Beard side of the argument constantly depicts itself as the liberator of the uneducated; it's not - and its arguments again and again depend on the acquisition of knowledge, from which truly liberated language can then flow. It consistently supports the argument that teaching and learning of the rules is, in fact, necessary.

[@quartytypo]

Don't forget the poop scooper and the bag

[@kiwitrainguy]

Just to throw a spanner in to the works (I love doing this): I never use either term (uninterested or disinterested), in such a situation I would use the term "not interested".

[@phonicwheel933]

Wonderful debate: it is telling that all the presenters use standard English.

[@luckydave328]

Erica has a mixed accent and could be said to be speaking her own distinct idiolect so not really 'standard English'.

[@simonsimon2888]

Yes! Academic English language and its non-academic one which most non-English people make a very good effort to converse and communicate. After all, it is not 'an ORAL ENGLISH TEST' as long as the main ideas brought across may not be grammatically CORRECT!

[@luckydave328]

@@simonsimon2888 What is your country of origin ?

[@simonsimon2888]

My parents were from Fujian and my China's mother sent me to an British English school. In those days, there were four different types of school. When the British returned back to Singapore in 1945, two years later i was borned in 1947 as 'a British subject' stated in my birth certificate THE COLONY OF SINGAPORE. Now, 74 years having three National Anthems namely, 'God Save The Queen', Malaysia's 'Negaraku' and finally Singapore's 'Majulah Singapura' just simply incredible but honestly true!

[@luckydave328]

@@simonsimon2888 I love Singapore and have visited many times ! I wanted to come there now for an operation but the lockdown has excluded me. I asked where you were from because your written English is not clear. (Sorry). If I ever manage to come to Sing again I can give you some English lessons. 😊 I am a retired English teacher. Best wishes.

[@iamanomas]

To the students for whom English is the second language, it is the exception to the rule in grammar that always confounds.

[@headbuttsforphaticcommunio3731]

Does the debate's effect change when you realise that the one arguing most strongly against standards is jewish?

[@thisinenglish]

Only if you pay too much attention to it.

[@ManForToday]

The opposition forget that, at least in my experience, the word 'disinterest' is not just a casual word, it is also a concept famously expressed by Kant. Disinterestedness is not the same as being interested or uninterested. Disinterest for Kant represented a kind of distance and impartiality in the face of works of art, paintings, a play etc. Looking at something openly and without any personal considerations, but to just observe, think, reflect for its own sake.

[@mysticmouse7261]

As a novelist and poet I disagree that the primary purpose of language is to communicate. It is the fabric the material of thought.

[@Janemas]

Chomsky said that too.

[@joeessig3550]

I'd make a distinction---i think there's a difference between "naming something" (i.e. coming up with a word/sound/symbol, abstracting and compartmentalizing an object or action for personal edification and empowerment) and language. The former would be "the fabric, the material of thought", and language is what springs forth from that. But language itself is always collective and communicative, it implies speaking or gesturing for others, and even if you're talking to yourself, that's a different experience than thinking inside yourself. I'd agree with your and Mr. Chomsky's depiction of language, but only if I was discussing language in terms of the individual, in a vacuum.

[@zohebalikhan7404]

This actually turned out to be a great debate. Both sides had solid points, I'm not sure which way to vote.

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

What is the actual debate about? I am still trying to find out. I fast-forwarded back and forth, and there is no mention of defining what the hell the debate is about.

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

@@andrewszemeredy4458 Well, that saves me having to watch it!

[@__-cd9ug]

@@andrewszemeredy4458 it feels like intellectual masturbation - I guess the format of this event does.

[@DMWayne-ke7fl]

Go back to India.

[@lynseydrewitt3344]

I could easily assume, of myself, that I am sitting on the fence as both pro and against used examples that I agree with to highlight their side of the motion. I see that the limits of your language are the limits of your world (Wittgenstein) but also appreciate the journey that language makes of time and find the entomology of such utterly interesting. When the written word can lack the 'context' conveyed only with the spoken word those little marks can make such a difference to whether or not the complete message, as intended, was understood. Words are spoken so come with the context as intended, so perhaps if the debate had drawn the distinction between the written or spoken word it would have been easier to pick a side of that fence on which to come down on. (Just saying xx)

[@jenslyn87]

Just started the debate, but I imagine an important point will be this: People write/talk in different ways in different contexts. The fact that we have instant-messaging today, which invites a very informal and 'chatty' tone, does not mean that the language in general is in decline. It's merely the advent of a new genre, in my view

[@TomaszWota]

jenslyn87 I agree, to an extent. And yet - I completely despise this new genre. I text, sure. And you know what? It doesn't push me to shorten my words to sm wrd abbrvs tht dnt mak snse. Or rather, they do make some sense - but they are attacking my sense of aesthetics. :P

[@TomaszWota]

FichDichInDemArsch I actually was joking, but still - let me put it in the most polite way I can pull off after a long day of hard work... Fuck you. ;)

[@ata5855]

Go teach in an inner-city school, and witness the inability of the students to write a complete sentence. Language, and consequently thinking/logic, is absolutely in decline. Better yet, watch some old debates or interviews here on KZbin, and you'll be amazed how far we've fallen.

[@BirdTurdMemes]

@@ata5855 Go back to the 1920s, teach in a poor area and those children would probably write garbage as well.

[@Suite_annamite]

@6:57: The word "sick" used in that way (to mean something like "amazing" or "unbelievable") has actually been around since the late-19th century, but disappeared after WWI until it suddenly came back. You can hear it uttered in period movies like "The illusionist" (2006), with Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, and Paul Giamatti.

[@banjopete]

Le Huy-Anh ,Period......2006.....what?

[@ai_marsbar4325]

Min 20:14 is fun

[@rameshhansaravendra]

'Is our children learning?'- George W Bush

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

Ramesh Hansa Ravendra And yet George Bush resembles Oliver Kamm in comparison to the current incumbent.

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

GWB was a walking, talking, wind-up doll, inside of whom someone mixed up the pre-recorded tapes.

[@erpthompsonqueen9130]

Would very much like to see an update of this debate for our current time.

[@susanchalkley9480]

My new favo>u

[@namelastname8569]

What a swell blend of information, debating and entertainment.

[@Vesnicie]

"We should take an aesthetic pride in using the precision tool of our language properly". Bravo! To extend the metaphor a bit more, I think he hit the nail right on the head with that sentiment. (32:43)

[@jackcornelius8021]

Simon Heffer at 1:06. This is the whole argument. We teach to prepare our children.

[@nishantintouch]

I found Mr. Oliver's arguments on solid founding and very well put. I think he argued for different dialects and styles but without breaking the immortal rules of the language.

[@nkenchington6575]

Mr. Kamm's

[@p.a.ch.3861]

brilliant debate . thankyou.

[@insanemadcat9]

Learning German and being frustrated at how it is difficult, I still love the language all the more. The precise feelings and situations that one can describe, the range between formal and informal terms, it's just something to behold. I wish I'd learnt English when it was just so grand and full of culture and content.

[@litjunkie3808]

This is one of the most wonderful videos I have ever watched.Intelligence squared should organise more language debates.All the speakers were brilliantly eloquent in presenting their arguments though I really believe that english language is going to the dogs.Thoroughly enjoyed the video,nevertheless.

[@carbonc6065]

This was a real treat to watch!

[@jamesponza]

dear god such breathtaking cheekiness and cleverness on every side. I'm so entranced. such shining lights

[@maheshiabeyrathna5079]

I'm not a native English person but I believe thoroughly that the grammatical or syntactical accuracy of English language should be preserved.

[@bennalexanderleyland9088]

A weird position to hold granted your glaring omission of necessary punctuation and tautological use of the word "syntactical."

[@stevenfielden8955]

So nice to see John H. doing something different and more lite-'arted..

[@TheJoergenDK]

On the english lingo goin' south: As a danish person I appreciate RP, because it is very easy to understand, clearly articulate and of course familiar. And I also love all the thick accents very dearly. They are highly inspirational, wonderful and beautiful. And also educational, in that they expand my view of the english language - because they obviously add to said language. As do all the american quirks, twists and, to use a danish phrase, language flowers. Sprogblomster. I of couse think that both points of view are correct. As a musician, I know that it is important to know a song, if you want to expreass yourself singing it. As Tommy Emmanuel, a great australian guitarist once said (paraphrasing): "Practice until you know it by instinct. Then, keep practicing, because that will make it easier!" So, teach your children well. And while you do so, let them play. Finland has the best school. Go, see, whatch, learn, copy, paste. What's with all the talkativity? And knowing that no english speaking person would understand the language of Shakespeare, who by the way spelled his name in many different ways - once he even spelled it in two different ways on the same occation - I believe that the english language is growing in number of words, ways to speak, dialects in which to do so and degrees of depth and clarity. So it's perhaps like the old indian myth of the three gods, one creating, one preserving and one destroying. And the one relatively moderne word (ancient greece) that is a kind of short form: Cycle. So here's my take on it all: We are on a bicycle. One wheel is steering, the other is driving. We have a conservative steering wheel to remain balance, and a progressive rear to provide thrust. And we have a panel of people who are debating which one is right? But thei're both centre, or else we would lose ballance, then grip, then conciousness... Thanks for an interestiing debate, which I watched to the very end with amusement and pressure, sorry pleasure (Asian joke: Asier is a danish word for pickles.) no I did mean asian joke.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Your first speaker speaks to me. Language influences. Wonderful topic and debate.

[@Bajro97]

The side against the motion is unjustifiably satisfied. If you note, they repeat the few simple points they have over and over again. Yes, we understand language is an evolving, live thing. But it is also a valuable human possession that we should obviously take care of. "Speak as you will" cannot exist as advice on how to treat or use language. That is an already existing inclination, we needn't promote it further. The lack of humour on the opposition side is also notable, especially as regards the lady - who thinks, incidentally, she is both witty and righteous.

[@bullmanlion4302]

You'd do well to read Oliver Kamm's _Accidence Will Happen: The non-pedantic guide to English usage._

[@MauriatOttolink]

Bajro -Nuhanovic. Wow...English doesn't give YOU any problems. What would you charge as an hourly rate for lessons? I'm not serious, just very impressed as your name clearly isn't Anglo Saxon. I love, figuratively speaking of course, someone with your articulacy. On KZbin it stands out like a deer's antlers on a cat! My best to you!

[@mariamalhotra8228]

@@MauriatOttolink How condescending!

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@mariamalhotra8228 I'm sure that it was if I encountered utter rubbish but I can't find what it was and you didn't help!

[@soros250]

Having taught ESL for years, students want to know the "proper" ways of communicating. Their futures depend on it. The reason that many minorities don't get good jobs is often because they can't express more than the most simple of ideas. Semi-literacy is a strong stigma. People who don't learn to communicate according to standards don't get far in the economy -- unless they're in the entertainment industry.

[@idstice]

or a politician

[@irenemax3574]

Soros Oria Oh, semi-literacy is most irritating, for example, the use of the construction: “the reason ... is because ...”

[@bmniac]

@@irenemax3574 I quite agree.

[@shabirmagami146]

interesting debate ...thank you ...

[@garyjohnson1466]

Great discussion/debate, as a American, I actually prefer the English way of speaking, expressing things, but appreciate the various forms of speaking, even those whose English is not their native language, when I use to travel, those I encountered alway apologized for their English, to which I replied, your English is better than me trying to speak your language, but I must agree, one must lean how to speak English correctly (not sure exactly what that mean) before adapting to all the various form of speaking, however growing up English was my second worst subject, math was my worst, I’m dyslexic and left handed, anyways, you all killed this subject, also great comments and questions by those in the audience, I thoroughly enjoyed this, thank you, IQ2 puts on the most interesting programs, even though many of these accrued years ago, again thank you, this discussion is as relevant today as it was then..

[@leonorerochlitz]

Confusion: John and Simon seem to say that we need to embrace change but rules are important, and Oliver and Mary are saying that rules are important but we need to embrace change. Who do I vote for??

[@Thindorama]

Leonore Rochlitz It’s “For whom do I vote?”

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

Joe Biden

[@MauriatOttolink]

25:25 Rivers don't flow through tributaries. Tributaries flow INTO rivers, ie they contribute.

[@yoganathan001]

Oliver said, "It flows through many tributaries ; hence one main river at inception !

[@fritzpendleton1476]

"Haha, your silly rules don't apply to me, pedants!"

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@fritzpendleton1476 That is an indicator of your education level. However pedantic you feel that somebody may be...THEY are still right and YOU are still wrong. Methinks that may be the story of your miserable, shallow existence. Gee..I nearly said "life". but as a pedant, I really have to get it right! There is no room for doubt! If your brains were dynamite, they wouldn't blow off a paper hat. Slither back under the stone whence you came!

[@fritzpendleton1476]

@@MauriatOttolink If you had bothered to read my comment a bit more closely, you'd realize that I was being sarcastic. This is the kind of argument that he would make to cover poor usage.

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@fritzpendleton1476 Your unfounded confidence in yourself is displayed by your blind assumption that I did not read your comment a bit more closely..Nine bloody words? NINE? Can we suggest that your powers of sarcasm are just a trifle questionable? When it comes to sarcasm, I could bite off your bollocks and then eat a full English breakfast with extra fried bread,

[@anuradhainamdar8967]

A absolutely brilliant and absorbing debate ,I am a high school Professional English literature, language and social sciences teacher .I have done English literature in my M.A. A assure Oliver that English language will never be at any point of losing its popularity or demand to be taught. I too agree with Simon that another foreign language need to be taught, such as the French or Latin because many English words are taken from those languages.And I too have done Frence .As for BBC I am listening to BBC from 1984 and even didn't know that the language is called received pronunciation or R.P. I find it the most easiest accent to understand. In India we didn't have the cable in the 80th so listened to BBC and Voice of America. In the end I do like the way Erika handles the entire debate.Thanks for presenting such a video on the KZbin.

[@ehsfb20011]

I hate a moderator who clearly favors one side as she does when she gives the original vote.

[@williamarthurfenton1496]

Both make good points. There is certainly an issue with people - at least people living near me - who struggle to communicate because of their lack of education. There's a difference between evolving language, and people that are so lazy that they can't even express themselves clearly in their own current tongue. Words are becoming terribly homogenised. How many words do we need for 'good'? Incredible doesn't mean good, it means incredible. We are losing vocabulary to an extent which robs us of the ability to actually describe what we mean sufficiently.

[@cliffordhatton4444]

AWESOME comment!

[@MauriatOttolink]

William Fenton The snag is that these anomalies creep in, under our guard. The first speaker referred to "problems" which no longer exists, having become "issues", a perfectly good word but not meaning "problem" and here it sneaks in under YOUR guard . The issue er sorry problem is that if we hear something often enough, our subconcious is battered with it and it simply "sounds right." Humpty Dumpty said "Words mean exactly what I want them to mean!"

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

William Arthur Fenton, you spake the way your name made me expect you to speak: intelligently, comprehensibly, with clear, common-sense, yet educated content. Well done. (I say that without the apparent yet misleading pretension.)

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

@Julie Frazier I thought that the Bible was infinitely complex in its content. So how can these people comprehend the preacher, if they were illiterate and incapable of complex language appreciation? I say the congregation and the general populus there in your (probably sleepy, mid-West, dusty town, reminiscent of the type Mark Twain wrote so lovingly of) is infinitely inteligent, good looking, and skilled in language, because they understand the Bible. Why read anything else? It's all in there.

[@bennalexanderleyland9088]

The irony being that your punctuation is off. Also, most people understand the nuance in meaning between analagous words.

[@nilo4339]

The first speaker in voice and mannerisms reminds me so much of Rowan Atkinson

[@mscheckersvaughan3082]

He has a quiz show. Search “mastermind bbc” on KZbin.

[@robertholland8283]

On the Writing and Language Test, the subcategory Conventions of Usage calls on knowledge and skills associated with common practices in formal, well-edited English writing.

[@marksip01234]

Great debate. I also left school at 16 , with 9 O levels including both English lit and grammar , but with no formal grammar lessons as such . I am poor at specifying what the rules of grammar are, but I believe I instinctively know how to construct sentences grammatically. No doubt someone will quickly point out some mistakes I have already made.

[@72Yonatan]

All the speakers made excellent points.

[@jhhwanghwang888]

72Yonatan .

[@matchingsox]

Except for the first speaker who contended that one has to learn grammar in order to learn a language, when every person on earth learns their language without it.

[@KJ-xc6qs]

The precise use of language is essential for understandable communication.

[@frenstcht]

If you have the time, spend some time in your local planning or zoning department and watch as people try to figure out whether they can put up a garden shed. Or watch them try to write or approve an ordinance. I've seen region-changing development projects hang in the balance because someone in the '70s didn't know how to use an Oxford comma or know how to set a clause as restrictive or not. "Essential" is an understatement. Thumbs-up.

[@SimsulatedId]

'Essential'? Ovbiiusly not the csae While major cokc-ups may occur due misplaced commas or missing, prepositions, unconventional script is more often (deeply, murderously) irritating rather than substansted.

[@frenstcht]

@@SimsulatedId kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2LWaotnqsdledE

[@uncljoedoc]

Language, as well as the way we communicate, should aim for assignment of precise meaning and usage of terms for the purpose of science. I find the complexity of Greek for example condones the full potential of the educated mind. There were scholars of positioning of accents. (I wish I had to struggle with Greek in school however briefly or unsuccessfully)

[@carlmons]

I clicked on this because of the glaring error in the title- glad to see it was intentional. I have a good friend who continually makes the same error - rather than "xyz happened to she and me", he says "her and I". After a few times correcting him, and explaining how to remember the correct usage, I finally gave up. We're still friends, but I still notice.

[@Aethelbeorn]

8:25 Okay... his inner George Carlin is coming out! xD

[@Roedygr]

Muddling disinterested and uninterested does not make the language more expressive, or free, just confusing. In modern English, both uninterested and disinterested mean uninterested. The concept of disinterested has dropped from the language. This is not a good thing.

[@TheDavephillips]

+Roedy Green Hear hear!

[@TheKategolden]

+Roedy Green The subject or topic , I found uninteresting. I am disinterested in attending that lecture because of the topic.

[@Ian-dn6ld]

+Roedy Green Actually no... Modern English is a sham brought along in order to help teachers teach English in schools. This lady don't even give any credit to the Englishes of the Appalachian.... She had the fricken stage-light and didn't do nothing (a'nything) about it.

[@TheDavephillips]

Hear, hear mate.

[@insanemadcat9]

This is true

[@rosario508]

The thing I HATE the most is double negatives! Like “I didn’t see nothing!”

[@Lobstrominous]

The thing I hate the most is the mangling of our language by Americans, especially the destruction of the third conditional. It's not " If I would have seen her..." it's " if I had seen her..."

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

I reviewed a three paragraph, handwritten letter this week with no less than eight simple spelling errors. The person who drafted it was a second year university student.

[@Gaiacarra]

Was there even any disagreement here? I feel like there wasn't any concrete point on which the two sides disagreed. All the people on the "against" side conceded that of course some degree of keeping to the rules of grammar is necessary if people are to understand each other, and all the people on the "for" side admitted that the development of new words, and shifts in meaning and grammatical rules are all good things and there's no reason to try and hold them back.

[@elghunk]

+Gaiacarra It seemed to me that one side was arguing that the glass was half full while the other side argued that on the contrary the glass was half empty. I agree with you. Not sure what they actually disagreed about.

[@skyriderize]

Speakers, Commenters. Evolution's the rhythm of the moment!

[@simonlloyd7557]

I was literally impacted by the issues raised across the piece.

[@Roedygr]

I think split infinitives should be valid. The adverb between to...verb is clearest place to specify which verb it modifies. They get rid of ambiguity, not make it worse. If anything they should be mandatory. Most other grammatical errors increase ambiguity. That is why they are to be avoided.

[@josephmore6361]

I grew up bilingual, and in fifth grade I was introduced to English as a foreign language (60 years ago). The panel members all spoke in what might be described as 'announcer's English', and I could comprehend every word. I can't say the same for some of the comments from the audience, and in TV programs that insist on representing authentic local English speech, I have to turn on the subtitles.

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

Joseph More, I'm the exact opposite in my listening comprehensive skills. I had to focus very hard to understand the speakers, and I could pick out the occasional word, but not the meaning. And dialogue in movies, be it British or 'murican is very clear to me.

[@madeinengland1212]

@@andrewszemeredy4458 I don’t really believe that. American English is in the process of degenerating with this aweful vocal fry which represents fear and the rising inflection representing uncertainty and the general mumbling representing lack of education. This appears in films more and more as actors don’t even have trained diction any more

[@stevelenores5637]

@@madeinengland1212 Fast forward to today. You need to keep your dictionary in loose leaf binder. I still use the words from 2000 and before no matter what pressure I'm under to change to preferred pronouns.

[@jrhtv1321]

For many years I was active in a highly multilingual social forum that included many highly intelligent people, as well as many who were not so intelligent (at least with language). I sometimes wondered if commonly used grammar in other languages could be as awful as it is in English. Which is to say, if one can't speak one's own language correctly, there is little hope that they can speak another language with understandable accuracy. I need to say now that your English (of course after 60 years) is excellent. And Bravo for CONTINUING to learn and perfect, as many people fail to do. (PS: I often have to turn on the subtitles too, only because diction in America especially is a thoroughly lost cause.)

[@olannahorhut5956]

'They made love in front of the fire' (early 19th century) they flouted the social mores of the time, in full view of the fire! Impudent exposure! Subtlety of description being the point. During that period of history, they might not even have touched. 😊

[@prettypeggy5292]

Miss Beard is such an engaging speaker. She does miss the point though. You can't flaunt the rules creatively if you have no knowledge of or respect for said rules.

[@matthewjohnson3764]

+pretty peggy I very much agree, although I don't have the belief that the rules must be known explicitly.

[@asthmen]

'Flaunt the rules creatively . . .' So we're talking about unconventional pedants, now ? Sorry, I had to. (flaunt = ~display ; flout = ~blur)

[@seinundzeiten]

Flout the stubborn trout*

[@anthonyat2401]

@stephen noonan Exactly - and all the credentials to be a favourite of the BBC.

[@dixonpinfold2582]

A rule is _flouted_ , not flaunted. But I agree with your point.

[@mdjamaluddin2079]

Thanks you so much

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

All children are language geniuses, it’s incredible how much and how fast they learn languages. If only we could bottle that ability for adults for learning new languages! Talking to, singing to and reading to children magnifies their incredible language learning ability.

[@nkenchington6575]

Here are two interesting aspects of that rapid development phase: they don't have other serious commitments, and they have a tremendous tolerance for repetition. I watched my daughter vacuum up both Thai and Isaan, and it is indeed remarkable, but there are reasons as to why it occurs.

[@diderichlangmannen]

The same with the german language! But one small detail I want to make clear: Communication and language are not the same.

[@adoremus4014]

The last time I checked, German was spelled with a capital G.

[@diderichlangmannen]

@@adoremus4014 Well ... if you prefer we can communicate in German!

[@adoremus4014]

@@diderichlangmannen I would prefer Sanskrit as it's less corrupt than German.

[@diderichlangmannen]

Adoremus Let‘s be fair! Han-Chinese?

[@adoremus4014]

@@diderichlangmannen Well done for writing Han-Chinese with capitals H and C. English lesson complete, passed with honours!

[@richarddavis1163]

Two of my pet peeves are "Quote, unquote' and, "I could care less". Neither use makes a bit of sense.

[@elizabethblackwell6242]

Hold down the fort.

[@sonjak8265]

Two of mine are: "go-getter" and "from the get-go."

[@enigmag9538]

I think it's quote, end quote.

[@enigmag9538]

Also it is " I could NOT care less" b/c i already don't care as little as is possible.

[@alanyates5088]

I think that 'I could care less' is simply the facetious opposite of 'I couldn't care less' . One needs to know what is right before attempting to decide what is wrong.

[@zenith808]

Any language starts with building blocks (words). Next comes putting the words together to make sense (Grammar). Later comes colloquial language. Grammar is absolutely necessary!

[@susanfriend9924]

Right off the bat you added to the problem: It's between you and me, not I.

[@childearth4039]

The English language is centred around a few words now like hot,cool and expressions centred around a certain part of the human anatomy.Perfectly straightforward words have taken on an entirely different meaning so one can not use them because of the double meanings that they now have.

[@bennalexanderleyland9088]

- Overuse of "centred." - Cannot* - Conclusion that makes no sense. Yep-sounds like your average language prescriptivist.

[@tomgreene6579]

The pound has plunged!...media proclaimed...it had fallen around 1%.

[@a7-117]

I don't really think either side essentially contradicted each other. The speakers for the motion seemed to articulate a view of language bound by rules and principles, yet they didn't necessarily state that anything outside that language was inherently wrong. Even John Humhreys at the end said he admired how the youth missed language, which resonated with Oliver Kamm's argument that people can use different registers in different situations. All the opposition argued was that there are conventions, not rules, and that these are changeable. (Although the distinction between "law" and "convention" is ambiguous since no grammatical rule is actually enforced by law, so the words "law" and "convention" have less meaning here.) The opposition accepted that some linguistic conventions are cemented; they didn't advocate a free-for-all. I think the dispute really boils down to semantics - what are rules and conventions?

[@reginaldmolethrasher437]

57:15 Kamm: "People know from the context what the difference is between 'uninterested' and 'disinterested' ". Do they? I'd say yes, sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. Context might reduce the possibility of misunderstanding, but it doesn't eliminate it - which 'correct' usage does. Kamm is arguing for partial chaos rather than total chaos - that's all.

[@Sionnach1601]

I have just come from listening to Sir Oswald Mosley (a 1975 interview) to this; and if this is, as it should be, the best example of spoken English by native English people, then yes - English is going to the dogs. I say that with the greatest respect and tributes to what was a very articulate panel, but I firmly believe that English has declined due to cultural influences. If we listen to just about ANY BBC program or interview before possibly the mid '80s, we will find it obvious and striking how very much superior the quality of the language was. Even the accents were different, and to me, an Irishman, such accents even sounded like they were more capably suited to faster and more precise communication. Regarding our panel, I found the flow which Oliver spoke approvingly of, was rather poorly exhibited by himself, and best exhibited by Simon Heffer., though still, as proficient as Simon undoubtedly is, his articulation was nowhere nearly as masterful as Sir Oswald. I am not an English academic by any means, but in the comparing of this panel, I suspect that Simon's better ease with which to 'flow', was because of his better overall knowledge of the language and its mechanisms (than the others), as when spoken at its absolute, English is grandly satisfying in its precision and is breathtakingly beautiful and intriguing. I don't think we will see the likes of Mosley's or even Tolkien's level of English being publicly spoken ad hoc again. It saddens me. I will go back and listen to more of Sir Oswald!

[@someoneelse.2252]

I agree. I too listened to Oswald and was struck by the shift in a deterioration of English usage especially by today's so called 'interviewers; as well as their guests.

[@SarevokRegor]

Ye knowe eek that in forme of speche is chaunge With-inne a thousand yeer, and wordes tho That hadden prys, now wonder nyce and straunge Us thinketh hem, and yet thei spake hem so.

[@s0rge500]

chaucer?

[@billrhoasts5456]

Yeah, Chewbacca Yoda Obi Wan Jar Jar.

[@jazura2]

Perfect grammar.

[@someoneelse.2252]

Sarago Gotye: Justin Trudeau...?

[@philliphayden2727]

@stephen noonan That may be how you think Chaucer is pronounced in the US...we have hundreds, if not thousands, of regional accents. I have never heard Chaucer pronounced that way, but I've only been to 44 of the 50 states.

[@Roshandoug]

I really enjoyed this debate - it was vey entertaining. Although I liked the points made by each of the speakers - and their engaging styles - I did feel that Oliver's knowledge was outstanding and his impassioned delivery was delightfully infectious. Thank you for putting this up on KZbin! It's certainly a viewing I will recommend to my colleagues.

[@reginaldmolethrasher437]

45:30 Beard: "Rules allow us to debate and transcend them." (not verbatim). Yes, but only if you have a knowledge of them in the first place. It's like Wilde's assertion that All Art is Quite Useless; you don't know this until you've spent a lifetime absorbing it, studying it and discussing it. Enlightenment through knowledge! This knowledge endows us with confidence - and what is lacking in modern speakers and writers and is precisely the (in italics) confidence to use language effectively because, precisely, they know the rules! Mary Beard herself then makes this very point! So her argument is: Language sticklers are silly; but being a stickler allows you to subvert the language effectively; but sticklers are still silly. Great argument.

[@JosephVirtus21]

Sounds like the humble schoolteacher righted the entire debate! Good for her! Excellent debate.

[@shrinkdiva8271]

It’s “between you and me” by the way. Just a small point when you’re bashing the English language...

[@philomelodia]

Quite so. The preposition between would have been in the ablative or locative case in another language. When this sort of thing happens in English, it necessitates the use of an object pronoun

[@winmine0327]

woosh

[@sarelito9202]

I thought it was done on purpose. Hope so!

[@normanmazlin6741]

'Twas but a jest you twit

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

@@normanmazlin6741 'Twixt thee and me th'art right.

[@richardburt9812]

Really delightful.

[@cliffordhatton4444]

As a supply teacher, I was given a class of Year 6 juniors for a week. On introducing myself I noticed three or four well-known advertising slogans their usual teacher had written on the blackboard; one of them was "Should of gone to Spec-Savers". Oh, dear.....

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

The verb conjugation was incorrect. Should of said, "Should of went to Spec-Savers". Everyone in my milieu says it that way.

[@edcarson3113]

@@andrewszemeredy4458have

[@robinearle7225]

I was taught that good English is about communicating accurately. Language changes over the years, so good English also entails paying attention to the world around you.

[@bryanwalker6125]

"Between you and me, the language is going to the dogs. You and I must understand this." I do not want to read any more of such incorrectness in the advertising. Do you know what I means?

[@adamgrimsley2900]

Yeah, that's the joke.

[@jamessherburn]

Yo dude, 'Do you know what I means bruv?', i'n' it! : )

[@doug7232]

Once upon a time there was a wonderful collection of 20 sentences under the title "English is crazy" Each sentence had three words that were pronounced identically whilst having radically different spellings and meanings I recall the one in the middle of the Iist could hardly speak out loud English is a creole of German. French, Latin and god knows what else Explain the spellings of enough and stuff to someone trying to learn English

[@doug7232]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kInEaZaFbtKLfM0

[@doug7232]

Apparently one must be a raving lunatic to comprehend English

[@robertholland8283]

Great debate.

[@typower9]

When I was a child all the presenters on television spoke BBC English. As an adult I lived and worked abroad and when I came back to England I was shocked at the ungrammatical English being spoken by the presenters. My first thought was how difficult it must make it for the children to know how to speak 'properly'. I also noticed children using American words, including that nauseating 'whatever!'. I have taught English abroad and I also thought how little evidence of the correct English grammar that my students had needed to pass their exams they would hear on English television. I speak several languages and the 'italo-inglese' being used in Italy horrifies me. It is so sad to hear italians misusing an English word, when they have a perfectly good italian word for the purpose! If any of you speak italian I recommend the brilliant Tedx talk ' From Bello to Biutiful'. I noticed recently that Macron is using Franglais on posters.

[@aaronwalderslade]

The tension between tradition and novelty in language is exactly the mirror of the tension between social conformity and revolution.

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

You mean to imply that those who instigate revolutions failed grade 3 English reading skills? Perhaps you are right, but you must present your source documents for statistical analytical support of your claim.

[@Tom-rg2ex]

@@andrewszemeredy4458 If you google "grammar and the constitution" you will find that the U.S.'s founding documents are riddled with typographical errors. Not that means much, Shakespeare would laugh at your correlation of intelligence with adhering to syntactical rules, since he made up so much of the language itself. (If you're interested, look up linguist Noam Chomsky's talking points about how the grammar of standardized modern English is completely arbitrary and inorganic).

[@anialiandr]

Try send a paper for publication in bad English. Each of the speakers had impeccable English and prof beard was very pompous while arguing against the cause. She clearly no longer edits her students’ texts: gave up exasperated and puts a good face to a bad game

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

@@Tom-rg2ex Are you sure the typos in the documents created by the Founding Fathers are 1. typos due to langauge differences between now and then, or 2. they were typos back then too. This is worth the effort to look into. -- I am not sure how you can discard syntax and discount its importance or even just its sheer presence. Grammar may be arbitrary, words are definitely symbolic therefore arbitrary, but syntax is a hard-wired, underlying guide that is the same in all languages. Bask may not be related to any other language on Earth, but their syntactical rules are the same as that of every other language.

[@andrewszemeredy4458]

@@anialiandr I HAVE tried and sent papers to publications in bad English. You can't acccuse me of not trying. :-)

[@StephenDeagle]

25:55 Missed attempt at split infinitive. Many laughs. Good presentation. One nation!

[@simonlloyd7557]

I watched an interview with a Professor of Economics the other day, and I recoiled in horror when she said she was left with feelings of, 'not enoughness'...

[@csaracho2009]

In Spanish, that would mean: “Sentimiento de no suficiencia o insuficiencia”.

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

Oliver Kann is speaking critically about much higher concerns than are most of us who are trying to defend the ability to communicate. My students (in an art academy) have never been shown how "we drove on to the beach" is basically different from "we drove onto the beach." Or, citing a more famous example, the difference between "eats shoots and leaves" and "eats, shoots and leaves." Yet another example of the importance of linguistic structure is the difference between "I learned from God, my parents and Ayn Rande" and "I learned everything from my parents, Ayn Rande and God."

[@megg.6651]

I would love having the younger guy try to read the writing of our high school students. There ARE grammatical rules that are used to write clearly and meet the standards necessary to communicate effectively.

[@jazura2]

This video is from 2014.

[@zootsoot2006]

Exactly, all the boomer types that have done their best to liberate the younger generation from the grammar nazis, doing so from their positions of power which they were only able to obtain on the basis of their high standard of education at the hands of such nazis, are now delighting in the fact that there are now no younger people to take their power away from them, because they're too dumb to do so.

[@smyffmawzz]

Your ..You're and Their ..There ...There are times i could scream !

[@ecwadorlife667]

Agreed! Others that trigger me: everyday when every day is meant; alot instead of a lot; it’s instead of its (and vice versa); insure when ensure is meant; compliment versus complement, etc., etc., etc. People like to blame their phones or spellcheck, but I find that to be a weak excuse for not paying attention to one’s writing. And don’t get me started on would of, could of, should of!

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

Cleave the one in twain; Then cleave them together again

[@ecwadorlife667]

@ladywharton Yeah, I get that quite a bit too. Some people are nice and grateful for the correction but they are few and far between.

[@keithdavies150]

I quite often do!

[@hansstraub475]

What about the overused "multiple," as in "There are multiple cars on the bridge"? Have you ever seen a multiple car? Whatever happened to "many"? Has it been sent into exile?

[@KamilKartal]

My next question: How can I access to the last, most recent one of this event? I will appreciate if any of you can share a link to it. 2023? 2022? The last or preferably the whole series of these events. Thank you.

[@feorh1919]

wonderful!

[@samwalters8734]

One of the first things you'll learn in English Language theory is that language is in a 'constant state of flux', continuously adapting and evolving to meet the contextual and environmental needs of its users. Language is not empirical, so there is no such thing as 'right' or 'wrong' language. We have many different registers; we are capable of writing an essay, talking to your grandmother, chatting to friends at a party, or being interviewed by an employer, using different language choices for each. Neither of these choices are inherently better than the other, they are just different examples of language at work. You could have zoned out when Heffer was introduced as a writer for the daily mail, but anyway, I found it very ironic that he used the term 'beef' in his opening monologue. When surely that's the colloquial, 'improper' use of language that he's a self knighted crusader against. The phrase 'going to the dogs' in the title is another example of this. To be prescriptivist and think that language was somehow better back in your day is a trick of nostalgia and arrogance.

[@insanemadcat9]

You can talk a good game on the streets and understand what the other dude says, but are you able to properly express yourself when you're aiming for precise and clear language?

[@stevenbuthelezi6319]

well said!

[@stellayates4227]

Language within contracts and the law has to be right and you will find yourself in grave trouble for the misuse of it. Even the wrong punctuation can alter the meaning of a term and have it applied differently.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Sam Walters. Well it needs to be right if you want to extract or pass on a precise meaning. Consider the following for any ambiguity which you might find.. "Mother had to help Uncle jack off his horse!" I leave it with you!

[@Roedygr]

Every dialect has its rules. There might not be a book explaining them all, but there are clearly sentences that are correct and incorrect in that dialect that a native speaker would recognise. Read Pinker The Language Instinct. You have to be aware of what dialect you are speaking . If you say sentences from some other dialect, chances are they will be WRONG. Oliver seems to disagree.

[@syddlinden8966]

Ultimately, yes, the English language /is/ going to the dogs. And the "for's" were addressing this properly, while the "against's" seemed to be missing the point. It's not about expanding definitions or shifting usage, it's really about that teacher who didn't know the difference between "could've" and "could of." It's about the plethora of people seen using "then" and "than" as if they're interchangeable. It's about the people who don't know which "there" or "which" to use in which case. This /IS/ a problem. And it's ultimately a problem with lax educational systems. As to technology, (excluding the plague that is autocorrect) I'm far more concerned about - at least in the US - the decline of PENMANSHIP, and that schools are no longer teaching cursive writing at all. Lastly, I find it really heart breaking that the globalization of English seems to be expediting the deaths of other languages, or at least their bastardizations. It feels like an unsalvageable loss of cultural variation for the sake of a wider, globalized way of communicating.

[@shanemolloy2824]

I particularly love the different dialects and accents of the British Isles. I find if I stay in Manchester, I can't help mimicking the accent without realising it after just a few days. I also find it fun to exaggerate my rural southwest farmer / pirate type accent sometimes. Even then South Hampshire is different to Wiltshire. Somerset and Devon is different. Bristolian is different again. Ryhming slang and certain Patois are quite fun. I find it Interesting how the language has been influenced by foreign languages and the origins of family and place names in the UK. I think it's important that eccentric use of the language should never be censored, but we should, endeavour at least, to obey correct grammar. Sloppy Email use, for example, often fails to convey the correct tone and even context. Often carrying an incorrect implication.

[@jandron94]

So different to French varieties of language. In France being a bigger and "older" country we tend to think we are much more diverse and "old region binded" than in the UK, especially near external borders with the rest of Europe where the contrast is more obvious with Paris. This diversity is not reflected mainly in the language but in the architecture, local cuisine, climate, geography, mentality, artisan products, etc. There are still some various patois speakers but they tend to be quite reduced and limited. This is all due the French centralist and egalitarist system mostly inherited from the Revolution : everybody shall speak the same high standard of "Parisian" French. The UK language accross history is much more homogenous because of it's geography (small island without high mountains). Each time Britain was invided or unified the new language was easily spread out and homogenized. But the society in itself is still strongly divided in classes and areas of poverty or wealth, industrial or rural areas, etc. So in the UK the language seems to have become the only remains of local identity. This has been preserved so far to maintain a minimum sense of diversity and "local" community belonging. That's not a very nuanced view but I guess that's the most common one the French have on themselves and the UK (for those who know quite well the UK).

[@Dazbog373]

Stop making the issue political! The English language, as any other language, is continually evolving. Samuel Johnson recognized this over 200 years ago: as soon as a language stops doing so, it becomes endangered.

[@steroq6699]

It's devolving, actually. (I'd wink but I'm against it)

[@Dazbog373]

Stefan Roques It's never been richer. You clearly lack the imagination to see its potential.

[@qhsperson]

I suggest you find "Politics and the English Language," by George Orwell, online and read it. Speaking of language use and politics.

[@bouzoukiman5000]

English is filled with spelling and pronunciation conflicts. It needs serious organization.

[@devourerofbabies]

DarKool81 It's a political issue whether you like it or not.

[@Slarti]

Beard comes across as a patronising frump when she describes her opponents as 'grumpy old men'

[@Ryan-fc9lq]

Perhaps to an American who doesn't get the cultural context. In England it is hard to find a more archetypal pair of 'grumpy old men'. Gosh, if only you had listened to the Today Show, or read the Daily Mail, then you might know what I mean.

[@sonjak8265]

@@Ryan-fc9lq Is it acceptable in England to wear a raincoat indoors?

[@Roedygr]

One of my peeves is silent letters. We sometimes drop hs, gs, ts, and rs. This makes spelling even less phonetic. We also convert ts to ds, as in water/wadder.

[@TheKategolden]

+Roedy Green I blame the French Middle English era for that.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Roedy Green "Wadder" is essentially American with the T softened or almost amputated! Incidentally, not relevant, I live near a village called Roe Green.

[@valkyrieprofile2797]

Your cousins on the mainland in europe use "wasser" lol. Agua is Eau in french. Respect and enjoy the evolution or end up like Latin. Dead and used by pedophiles as a holy language that is realistically dead.

[@dennismorris7573]

Excellent discussion.

[@freecitizen2760]

Let's mourn the loss of "literally".

[@philaypeephilippotter6532]

Do you literally mean that or do you mean that literally?

[@Rosebud100]

I completely agree with Simon Heffer.

[@cantona7449]

It’s true what the gentleman from the Daily Mail says about other countries being fiercely critical of the way we misuse their language. I have personal experience of this - my ex-girlfriend was Spanish (Galician in fact) and she would become angry when I accidentally misused of confused, what I thought, very subtle nuanced words, such as bien/bueno or para/por etc. I could literally feel her frustration and anger, it was palpable.

[@ReachForTheSky]

The amount of people who seem to get your and you're confused is a little bit alarming