Like

Over five years ago when I began this weblog I vowed I would not use the word ‘like’ in any inappropriate way.  I have not.  I renew the vow.

I only bring this up again because since then I believe the problem of sloppy, shallow English language usage has only gotten worse.  It is obvious to me that few people under the age of about forty read Old Schooler (formerly Omnium-Gatherum Millerum), or if they do are much-influenced or persuaded by it—at least by this early posting (June 25, 2010). 

 

The real problem for me is that I am amazed that young people who are educated in our schools are so inarticulate—that their vocabulary is so limited, imprecise, and unimaginative.  Language expression is important.  Clear language reflects clear thinking.  Exactness in language is like exactness in measurement or in calculations.  It does matter where a number or decimal point is placed.  It does matter the order or inclusion of letters in the correct spelling of a word.  It does matter what word is chosen if one hopes to be understood.  Otherwise, it is but a guess as to a speaker’s meaning. 

Our professional adult culture in journalism or broadcasting or public speaking or academics would not put up with such butchered, unpolished, impoverished expression as we hear from our younger generation.  (Some of our middle-aged generation in casual expression are even now becoming sloppy in the use of ‘like’; perhaps it is because of a desire to appear young and chic—‘whatever.’) 

It is ‘like,’ ‘you know,’ “Ignorance of one’s own ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.” (Montaigne) 

No, I’m afraid they do not know.  Explain it to me.

Alas, they can’t.