Café Inquiry (Online) – Grammar: Relevant or Means of Oppression?

This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)

Does bad grammar make you cringe?  Ain’t it like the worst thing ever? Many of us would say yes to the first question, while cringing at the second.  Yet the question is actually quite controversial.  People ranging from a Banksy-like mystery man who corrects grammar and spelling on stores’ signs, to linguistics professors who celebrate the natural evolution of language, have argued for and against the importance of observing and maintaining “proper” grammar. Here is some background reading. This article focuses on the practical advantages of mastering grammar. This scholarly article from The Pit Journal points out some of the pros and cons of paying attention to grammar. Here is a pro con opinion debate from the NYT in 2012 (mentioned in a previous linked article).The following articles are critical of the emphasis placed on grammar: This article from Time.com offers a biting critique of “linguistic snobbery”. Here is a critique of “grammar vigilantes”. This article suggests that we should pay less attention to a writer’s grammar and more attention to their message. Finally, an article argues that language purity is a tool to further white supremacy and classism

Join us at the next Café Inquiry (online) to remotely discuss this topic!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second and fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.

Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.