Writing About Writing
The final sentence of Shrunk and White's "Elements of Style" would be the imperative "Stand by your word."
Many people are familiar with the little and concise book regarding proper writing.
I myself got to use this lovely little book throughout college. I only realized last year that E.B White, who co-authored this book, also wrote: "The Trumpet of the Swan" and "Charlotte's Web" - two books which are also about the power of language.
E. B white himself was actually a newspaper editor, and so his entire life revolved around language.
It makes sense that he would feel strongly enough about the written word to compose a handbook to help students learn more about properly communicating their thoughts through the written word.
Right now we are actually studying communication in my course.
The written word is much more permanent than the spoken word. It is also farther reaching. However, it requires more precision in order to achieve clear communication, since the written word is devoid of all voice inflection and body language. If you want to avoid being misinterpreted, you need to think about exactly what you are trying to say.
However, I would argue that this is the precise exercise that students need when they are learning how to organize their thoughts. They should not be able to hide a small vocabulary behind an emoji, rather they should be required to broaden their knowledge so that they can refine their thinking. I do see the advantage of instructing students on how to use various methods of communication and technology, but I also think that we deprive them of a vital habit when we cease to emphasize the importance of clear and concise writing.
So, like White, I believe that we must stand by our word.
Many people are familiar with the little and concise book regarding proper writing.
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| Credit for the photo |
I myself got to use this lovely little book throughout college. I only realized last year that E.B White, who co-authored this book, also wrote: "The Trumpet of the Swan" and "Charlotte's Web" - two books which are also about the power of language.
E. B white himself was actually a newspaper editor, and so his entire life revolved around language.
It makes sense that he would feel strongly enough about the written word to compose a handbook to help students learn more about properly communicating their thoughts through the written word.
Right now we are actually studying communication in my course.
The written word is much more permanent than the spoken word. It is also farther reaching. However, it requires more precision in order to achieve clear communication, since the written word is devoid of all voice inflection and body language. If you want to avoid being misinterpreted, you need to think about exactly what you are trying to say.
However, I would argue that this is the precise exercise that students need when they are learning how to organize their thoughts. They should not be able to hide a small vocabulary behind an emoji, rather they should be required to broaden their knowledge so that they can refine their thinking. I do see the advantage of instructing students on how to use various methods of communication and technology, but I also think that we deprive them of a vital habit when we cease to emphasize the importance of clear and concise writing.
So, like White, I believe that we must stand by our word.
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