In these days of abbreviations, acronyms, texting, short forms, short hand, symbols, and emoticons is the need for spelling really all that important? In everyday e-mailing, social networking, text messaging, on the likes of Face book, Myspace and tweeting on Twitter, spelling seems irrelevant. So why bother with spelling right?
The ability to spell is quite relevant, be it for the study of all languages, beginning here, with the English language, History, Geography, Mathematics, all the Sciences and those of the Arts. The real area of its true relevance however, is in the area of Jurisprudence, that is, the Law. All Law whether it be corporate or commercial, civil or criminal its definition and determination are subject to the letter and how it is indeed spelled out.
This and the extensive areas found in those Various Specialities of All Medical Practice. The interrelated professions, such as Pharmacology, which are areas where spelling and precise meanings or definitions are both serious and even life changing. Slight variations in spellings of pharmaceuticals of similar combinations,
could have far-reaching ramifications, if the wrong compositions were dispensed due to a spelling mistake.
Ah yes, then there is the legal ease, found in every terms and conditions, be in on the internet, seen on blogs, websites, all software legal usage contracts and any formalized contract drafted. If you have ever bought any electronic device, cell or smartphone, Ipod, Ipad or computer, be it PC, laptop, netbook or gaming console, it is there in the packaging. It's all over the instruction manuals, the sales slips and the warranty cards.
The use of the wrong word or its spelling could and does alter the meaning and substance of the contract, the applicable law and or its very interpretation and therefore its stipulation. What of the correct spelling of the name of a procedure, the drugs and medications to be administered? A clerical error and the dramatic results, should the interpretation be due, to a misspelled or wrongly substituted similar sounding one be selected, could be traumatic or even worse tragic
With such a tremendous need to be precise, it then is so very necessary, to have the correct spelling and the viable meaning to be understood, by the ones it applies too. As with the need to learn to read and the ability to print and write, the need to spell is dependent on the purpose, that you have for it. Like the question posed by Angel aka the Philosopher in her article Is The Art of Handwriting Becoming Extinct? The same can be asked of the need for the ability to spell. Is the skill of Spelling becoming Extinct?
The ability to spell is quite relevant, be it for the study of all languages, beginning here, with the English language, History, Geography, Mathematics, all the Sciences and those of the Arts. The real area of its true relevance however, is in the area of Jurisprudence, that is, the Law. All Law whether it be corporate or commercial, civil or criminal its definition and determination are subject to the letter and how it is indeed spelled out.
Think not ? Just stop for a moment and see if this doesn't seem all too familiar. Almost every day we encounter the ways that spelling is brought to our attention. Too often we see those terms , legal notices, conditions of sale all the fine print on contracts, prescriptions, the whys and wherefores legal mumbo jumbo, blah blah blah! Whereas the party of the first part or the plaintiff over here and the defendant right there.
This and the extensive areas found in those Various Specialities of All Medical Practice. The interrelated professions, such as Pharmacology, which are areas where spelling and precise meanings or definitions are both serious and even life changing. Slight variations in spellings of pharmaceuticals of similar combinations,
could have far-reaching ramifications, if the wrong compositions were dispensed due to a spelling mistake.
Ah yes, then there is the legal ease, found in every terms and conditions, be in on the internet, seen on blogs, websites, all software legal usage contracts and any formalized contract drafted. If you have ever bought any electronic device, cell or smartphone, Ipod, Ipad or computer, be it PC, laptop, netbook or gaming console, it is there in the packaging. It's all over the instruction manuals, the sales slips and the warranty cards.
The use of the wrong word or its spelling could and does alter the meaning and substance of the contract, the applicable law and or its very interpretation and therefore its stipulation. What of the correct spelling of the name of a procedure, the drugs and medications to be administered? A clerical error and the dramatic results, should the interpretation be due, to a misspelled or wrongly substituted similar sounding one be selected, could be traumatic or even worse tragic
With such a tremendous need to be precise, it then is so very necessary, to have the correct spelling and the viable meaning to be understood, by the ones it applies too. As with the need to learn to read and the ability to print and write, the need to spell is dependent on the purpose, that you have for it. Like the question posed by Angel aka the Philosopher in her article Is The Art of Handwriting Becoming Extinct? The same can be asked of the need for the ability to spell. Is the skill of Spelling becoming Extinct?
8 comments:
Nice read sir.
I think that habit of spelling words correctly indicates a methodical mind as well. An ignorance for spellings might suggest vice versa.
@Chinmay: Rather than believing that people given the choice, choose to take the ignorant approach to it, Chinmay.
I prefer to believe it is more a case of just expediency for most part. If one is a frequent participant in the social network scene, then the chances of becoming use to short forming in his or her correspondence is greater.
The proof is in the number of chat speak, text ladened responses found occurring in write in venues like B/R and various other commentary allowed blogs and websites.
Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Buzz, Myspace, Okrut, Wordpress, Tumblr and Typepad abound in the use of these accepted phonetic shapes and numerical symbols.
Sadly, the more these cryptic hieroglyphics are used, the further evidence, that we now see in the steadily increasing deterioration, in the formalities of the English language, in day to day usage. ;D
Angel aka the Philosopher said... Very well said Professor! I agree with your sentiments on the importance of spelling correctly. Our spelling and meaning can suffer quite a bit when rushing to get our words out.
On a brighter note, writers, who want to improve their spelling and vocabulary, can enjoy your site with the "Word of the Day" and "Spelling Bee" you have added on here. As well as all your other helpful information, resources etc....
I see that you also have a few Book sources on here, for anyone who would like to improve their skills. Reading a lot of classics, from well known authors also helps with spelling & writing.
Learning should be enjoyable.
This is a great site, Professor! ;)).....
Thank goodness for dictionaries. :D
@Angel aka the Philosopher: Thanks Angel for once again dropping by, reading & your splendid incite.
The ever quickening pace of getting out ones text message has produced the conditions for acceptance in errors for the sake of expediency.
Thanks for noticing and pointing out those additions such as the Spelling Bee, Word of the day Match Up, Hang Man and the Free Dictionary found here to help those should they so choose.
The more advanced members of our readership, can indeed, check out Books, Novels, Teaching aids
and Text books.
Whether it be The classics or the contemporaries a fine selection can be had from many sources including any of those very fine advertisers found on this site.
The new applications are fantastic. I am literally digging them.
@M Pax: Thanks M Pax! The Site already has added the Farlex Free Dictionary as well as many other aids to help our readers and writers, with the increase of their vocabulary skills! ;D
@Chinmay: I'm constantly looking for ways to help our readers get the best value from the time they spend here, Chinmay! Glad you approve, my friend!
If something can be used to make reading, writing and learning more entertaining, interesting & fun
then I'm willing to try it out! ;D
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