The correct use of the English language in formal settings has been in the news again this week. Two teaching assistants in a Portsmouth school have been chided by Ofsted inspectors for their broad accents, bad grammar and use of slang in the classroom. The inspectors have recommended that staff be taught how to use English correctly.
Slang has its place in a peer group in an informal setting and is often used to define a group and its exclusivity. Cockney rhyming slang is particular to those born “within the sound of Bow bells.” This is a specific area in the East End of London where the language is impenetrable to outsiders, using such examples as “apples and pears” for “stairs.” The advantages of, in effect, learning two languages are perfect for young, developing brains, as long as the children are aware of the appropriate settings for each language.
In-house business web site copywriters can fall into the trap of using slang or their own industry jargon, resulting in content that is confusing and impenetrable to the potential client. Outsourcing content to professional writers who are able to deliver to a brief and to generate increased traffic on a site makes good economic sense. UK copywriters understand all the nuances of the English language and as a result their article writing is outstanding. Finally, don’t be squinny (stop complaining) if your website is duffed (broken) because of incorrect English, you are a right dinlo (you are a complete idiot) for not knuckling dayn mate (getting on with it).
- How to really develop your audience - April 4, 2018
- Developing a startup with content marketing - January 3, 2018
- How can you find freelance writers for a website news feed? - December 20, 2017
