In English-speaking regions, precise grammar is often seen as essential for fluent and confident communication. In a country where English is spoken as an official language, it’s time to reassess our attitudes towards grammar — particularly for those for whom English is a second language.
There is, in this country (and perhaps many others), an unspoken obsession with grammatical correctness. Indeed there is a place for all this correctness, but minor mistakes should not overshadow the core message being communicated. If we value clear and effective communication, then we need to understand that perfection is not always necessary.
Consider this scenario. A non-native English speaker (let’s call him Chris) says, “Each of the students have submitted their report”, instead of “Each of the students has submitted their report”. While Chris’ grammatical slip might prompt a smirk or quiet correction from some, the essence of the message remains intact – students submitted their report!
The fact is, we grasp around 90% of the meanings in daily conversations, even with minor errors. So why make a fuss over the packaging of the message?
This grammar police tendency is more than a minor irritant — it reflects a broader issue of linguistic elitism. This term, though somewhat academic, describes a cultural bias towards linguistic perfection and a disregard for the communicative effort of non-native speakers.
If even esteemed publications like the New York Times occasionally make a typo, why should we hold others to an unattainable standard?
The fixation on grammatical accuracy often overshadows the very purpose of communication – to connect and share ideas. For those learning English, the stakes are higher, as each conversation in the language is likely to produce a mistake. Instead of focusing on their errors, which, let’s face it, many of us make in our native languages too, we should acknowledge their effort and the clarity of their message.
Moreover, this preoccupation with grammatical precision can create an intimidating environment for language learners. The fear of being ridiculed or corrected might discourage them from engaging in conversation, ultimately hindering their language development and our collective understanding.
It is worth remembering that language is a tool for connection, not a test of one’s linguistic purity. By shifting our focus from correcting errors to comprehending the message, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive communication environment.
In essence, if we are all honest, we would rather have meaningful conversations than spend our time nitpicking grammar. After all, in the diverse collage of global communication, it is understanding that trumps perfection, not the minutiae of grammatical precision.
Enock Wanderema,
Writer
