| JS, I'm glad you have many loyal readers and I am one of them. I am getting a little confused with many of the comments that are being made here in the last couple of days regarding Bob's comment .
I actually don't agree with all of Bob's suggestions/corrections. But what I don't understand is why people got so upset? I thought about this for a long time, but still do not understand what is wrong with Bob/ or anyone else making suggestions? What is wrong with people pointing out one's mistakes or making stylistic suggestions. I realize Bob was not necessarily pointing out grammar or spelling errors, rather he felt that there were better ways to say a few things. Is that why people were upset? Would people be less upset if Bob pointed out spelling/grammar errors instead? (Since stylistic changes are more of a personal preference) I always believed that suggestions and criticism given in a constructive manner are great ways to help one improve. It certainly is not a sign of in-tolerance and disrespect, as one of your reader suggested. For example when JS noticed the spelling errors in SH metro stations, he tried hard to get that corrected(many readers supported him). I certainly don't think that was done out of disrespect. I may even go as far as to say he did it out his love for the city (I know that maybe a little sappy) Some of the readers defended JS by saying that his English is better than most. I agree that for a person who have never lived in an English speaking country his English skills are quite impressive, but it does not mean he is perfect. So there is always room for improvement right? I don't know JS, but from his entries, I gather he's the type of person who would want to improve, and welcome other people's suggestions. One of the readers mentioned that he knows that he makes mistakes while speaking to his clients, but it was good enough as long as they understand each other. Why is it good enough? Shouldn't we always try to do the best we can? If you know you are making mistakes, then it is possible to correct it. If we can improve, why shouldn't we? Perhaps the same should apply to your clients. If they are dealing with a Chinese company, perhaps they should learn to speak Chinese as well as they can. Yet another reader said that he writes an English blog to practice his English writing skills. I gather from the statement that he would like to improve his English writing. So wouldn't it be helpful to him, if someone corrected his mistakes, or made suggestions in the way he writes? Sorry, this comment is so long. JS, I truly enjoy reading your blog, and all the comments that go with it too :-) I admire your spirit, confidence, and humility. |
Not Perfect English is Fine, So does Correction