Posted by NightDiver on October 09, 2002 at 08:55:04:
In Reply to: Well, it shows that error has crept into common usage posted by Wayne on October 09, 2002 at 08:34:24:
Wayne -
I understand your point, but, for the most part, languages are essentially living, evolving things. Many, many words in the English language have resulted simply from common usage. Many more are Anglicized versions of words taken from other languages. I don't think it has anything to do with the "unwashed masses" or the "dumbing down of education in schools" (dive agencies may be a different topic, however). We are simply witnessing the evolution of the language.
By the way, on the subject of dumbing down of education in schools, you should see the quantity and difficulty of the work my third grader is doing in public school. I know the bar is higher than when I went through school. They say that the whole of human knowledge is doubling now every eight years...think that is going to expand the scope of what is taught in our schools?
Just my lousy $.02.
DSAO,
NightDiver