Why do people have the need to correct others??

euronorris

thorsoak wrote: »

Well personally, I do feel that if someone wishes to learn a language and become fluent in it, then it is important to use the correct words, the correct spelling and grammar! So although I wouldn't dream of correcting someone on a forum such as this, I would correct someone that I knew was going through the learning process, in order that they did learn to use the language correctly.

Does that make me a pedant/nasty person?

Would you correct someone who was using your native language incorrectly?

Although someone I know who teaches english as a foreign language says " English doesn't borrow from other languages, English follows other languages down dark alleyways, knocks them over and rifles through their pockets for loose grammar"

I rely on people correcting my Dutch grammar and spelling.

It's pretty hard to get something right, if you don't know it's wrong.

I was discussing this with my Dutch teacher yesterday and we realised that people who know a second language tend to fall into 2 camps:

- Those who are very fluent, with excellent reading, listening, speaking and writing skills are those who welcome constructive criticism and listen to how native people use certain words and construct their sentences. They are far more aware of the faults they make though, and will always say that their English (or whatever language) isn't very good
- Those who know enough to get by, with poor reading, listening, speaking and writing skills are those who do not receive constructive criticism well, and don't listen to how natives use certain words and how they construct their sentences. They are blissfully unaware of the faults they make and will insist that they are very fluent, with excellent language skills.

Sophie4120

I work with a lot of people for whom English is not their first language - and they all complain because English people are 'too polite' to point out their mistakes :rotfl:

vroombroom

benifits
hampster
their/they're/there

affect/effect

payed/paid

fluffnutter

Ilovecubbage wrote: »

Hello,
I have some wiered conversations with my friends now and then and wanted to ask the wide audience for feedback, if you like.
What is wrong with English people who have the need to constantly correct other peoples grammar in written English??? Can they not read between the lines if the sentence is too complicated for them?

Little background, English is my third language in writing and fluent speaking. I went to learn English in Uk school for 4 month in total and the reast had to learn myself on my own listening the natives. :-) although have been here for donkeys years now.
I have a few friends who will lutch on any word I pronounce or write wrongly. To be honest I don`t normaly care as I think it`s pathetick unless it is complete mess and You can`t make up what you about. Life is too short to worry about that , me thinks. :-)
I see a lot of sad people on MSE picking on others trying to highlight the fact that they are wrong and they`ve spoted it.
If you peeps don`t mind I would love to know what you think this sort of people are?
Just a research for myself so I can rest a bit easier,:-)
All the people I know of who usualy do this are quite sad and dissatisfied with their little lifes, perhaps that could be the problem, them to trying to teach some one a lesson.
Right any more ideas???
Or perhaps I live in denial and should really brush up on grammar?? or I woun`t anyway.
Although this doesn`t happen in any other language only in English.
Anyway , please don`t point where my spelling is wrong, I woun`t fix it. :-)

If you're happy throwing random letters together in semblance of a coherent sentence and you believe those that think otherwise are 'pathetic', 'sad' and 'dissatisfied' why bother to create a thread whining about it?

fluffnutter

Sophie4120 wrote: »

I work with a lot of people for whom English is not their first language - and they all complain because English people are 'too polite' to point out their mistakes :rotfl:

I think all intelligent people who are hoping to improve their skills would feel the same.

scheming_gypsy

vroombroom wrote: »

benifits
hampster
their/they're/there

affect/effect

payed/paid

were you drinking a glass of Vimpto when you did that list.

Welshwoofs

Ilovecubbage wrote: »

Hello,
I have some wiered conversations with my friends now and then and wanted to ask the wide audience for feedback, if you like.
What is wrong with English people who have the need to constantly correct other peoples grammar in written English??? Can they not read between the lines if the sentence is too complicated for them?

Nice try at a troll, but your posting history would seem to suggest that your English only went right down the toilet for this particular posting.

pimento

The one that pops up continually on this board and drives me mad is the mis-spelling of tenant.

Tennant's lager has a lot to answer for.

thistledome

Ilovecubbage wrote: »

I see a lot of sad people on MSE picking on others trying to highlight the fact that they are wrong and they`ve spoted it.

All the people I know of who usualy do this are quite sad and dissatisfied with their little lifes, perhaps that could be the problem, them to trying to teach some one a lesson.

Anyway , please don`t point where my spelling is wrong, I woun`t fix it. :-)

I wouldn't dream of pointing out the errors in your post, Ilovecubbage. I haven't got that much time.

Please don't point out that my pedantry is wrong, I won't fix it

Seriously though OP, some people just care more about such things than others. It'd be a very boring life if we all felt the same way about everything.

Newly_retired

I want to get my ( equivalent of a ) red pen out, even though I retired from teaching over 4 years ago now.