George Orwell #5

Why do we have grammar? Why do we have syntax? Why do we have any rules at all regarding language? The fact is, rules are put in place to put everybody on the same page, and to make it easier for us to better understand one's message. So why should proper grammar matter if one's meaning is clear without it? George Orwell argues that correct grammar and syntax are of no significance as long as one is clear to the point, in his essay, "Politics and the English Language." I agree with Orwell to some extent, despite being told my whole life the importance of correct grammar and sentence structure. As society develops, language will change, and it has. In today's society, people seek the simplest solutions and prefer the "easy way" sometimes over the correct way. Modern technology and social media have allowed this by changing the way we use language to communicate.

It has become perfectly acceptable in modern society to speed things up by ignoring proper grammar and structure. In fact, social media has led to the creation of a whole new vocabulary in which people are not only creating new words, but also applying new meanings to existing words. Feeling the need to make things easier has pushed for many short forms of words that have become a part of everyday life for many people. Such words include Idk - I don't know, Lol - Laugh out loud, and Btw - By the way. Twitter is a great example of driving us to simplify things as much as possible. The 140 character limit has pushed society in the direction of shorter thoughts and minimal grammar to get a point across. So now it is I luv u, instead of I love you. It is wat r u doing, instead of what are you doing, and so on. Being an avid social media user, I know all to well how this use of language has influenced present-day communication. However, I don't necessarily mind it for a few reasons.  It allows me to get my point across quicker and with clarity, plus it's convenient. This is why I agree with Orwell, that correct grammar and syntax are of little importance as long as one's message is clear to its audience.

With that being said, there are times when correct grammar is necessary to send a clear message. This is especially the case in long, complex sentences that would otherwise be extremely confusing. As language is constantly changing, we have to be able to monitor these changes to maintain a structured society. In some cases, changes in the use of language are harmless, and even useful. Other times change could result in negative ramifications. However, in the end, the ability to understand one's message is more important than correct grammar and syntax.