OT- Spelling is out.

[Slynky]

I think your subject title says it all.

Problem with the "keepers of the English language" is the thin skin they wear. Now, here in the US, that statement is more true than in England (where concern about the language is a bit more important).

I say "thin skin" because, rather than tell "someone" they aren't pronouncing (or spelling) a word correctly, the updates of dictionaries just go ahead and accept (and list) the growing bastardizations of the English language. (e.g., "Toward". Take a look in the dictionary and you will see an acceptable pronunciation of, "twardz", as if there was an "s" on the end of it...sheesh!)

In a writing class I attended a few years back, given by a PHD in English grammar from the University of Georgia, the instructor stated that English was an ever-changing language. He went on to state that spelling and grammar weren't so important any more so long as a person was able to convey an idea to another person. In other words, communication was the important factor, not accuracy.

Now, I don't claim to be a genius at grammar and spelling. But, I'll ride my "high horse" so long as I continue to obviously be (note the split infinitive I used to the left...on purpose) head and shoulders above 90% of the people I interact with each day.

Please note that my concern for speaking English correctly does not extend to those who use it as a second language. I salute ANYONE who HAS a second language. Well, besides Ebonics .