http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_vlgqb2n3syfmij45xjsax2yi_b737cc36-368f-40ac-9fc6-7f7c38df8283_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:29:13 GMT 15 By Johanna Lal
    The old adage, "actions speak louder than words," may be true, but words seem to be more important than actions when people form first impressions.     I admit to being one of the few nit-picking grammar-watchers left.  I have honestly tried to mellow out and stop cringing when someone says “I seen” instead of the correct phrase “I saw.” Yet, I just cannot seem to let myself allow people to speak with poor grammar skills.     Bad grammar can negatively affect peoples’ social environment, educational opportunities and job offers. People need to start using the proper English language.     First off, grammar has a huge impact on the way people perceive each other. When a person meets someone new, in about a minute, he or she decides whether he or she likes that person or not. I have come across more than one person who has either made a very striking or an appalling impression on me simply through the words that come from his or her mouth.     People in even the most common situations can transform their image by bringing intelligence to the table with their words. On the other hand, improper grammar tends to make people appear unappealing to others’ ears.     Secondly, academic opportunities get slimmer for grammatically challenged people. When interviewed for a scholarship, students discover that poor grammar blocks the chances of obtaining college funding or getting enrolled in competitive universities.         Many colleges look at students’ personalities in addition to their educational background when deciding about enrollment. Poor grammar skills affect work experience for people as well. The use of improper language may tip the scale in favor of another candidate.      A candidate must make a professional presentation among their boss, customers and other employees. According to the Vault Occupation Survey, over 74.5% of employers take a candidate’s social skills into consideration for a job more than their experience. Therefore, a person who has good grammar with less experience for a job compared to a person with bad grammar but more experience could be considered a more qualified candidate.     Bad grammar ultimately has a huge negative impact in peoples’ lives. Many people have adapted to grammatically incorrect speech early in life, but it is not too late to break this cycle.  Bad grammar should be eradicated through a comprehensive effort. ]]> Fri, 29 May 2009 22:36:55 GMT