Mind Your Language

Okay, maybe I'm a snob when it comes to... urmm.. speaking the correct Queen's English. I may not be the best, but at least I spell "FRIEND" correctly. See? "I" before "E" except after "C". Although sometimes this rule does not apply (words under this exclusion escape me for the moment), but that's the basic that we should all know. Right? Or... not?

I've worked in several different companies already. Local companies, local companies with international presence, and finally an international organisation. What do they have in common? Broken English. I kid you not.

How hard can it be to use a full correct sentence when you're talking, or sending emails? Mind you, the phone conversations and the emails most of the times are with international counterparts. Now, of course there are English speaking people who actually speak broken English as well, but why should we degrade ourselves and compare ourselves to them? Don't we shout "Malaysia Boleh" everytime? So, can't Malaysia be Boleh in speaking and writing correct English then?

We do not need to use bombastic words, just to be different, or to prove that our command of English is superior. Use simple words, day-to-day words. For starters. When we get comfortable, instead of using the word "big" we can use.. "huge" or "enormous", although now you should beware of the usage as well. Or, after getting tired of using "problems" we can change to "anomalies", just to spice things up. BUT. start. from. basic.

By the way, just so you know, being able to speak correct English does not mean you are losing your identity or heritage. You're still you, with more skills.

So please, next time you think of messaging me at yahoo, please ensure your spelling for "FRIEND" is correct. He he he.. ooh... I'm bitchy today...