In 1928, philologist and lexicographer H. W. Fowler gave a new order to salutations and closures in letters and confused the world amongst sincerely, faithfully, truly and very truly. Even though I have utmost regard for the English language (as this is one common thread that binds the world), last few weeks of writing business letters (basically request for job letters) left me wondering. Why??
Gone are the days when letters were written to friends and relatives to remain in touch - text has taken that responsibility.
Love is no longer communicated thru perfumed, painfully handwritten calligraphic letters – facebook, online dating sites etc are enough.
‘Mate’ and ‘Cheers’ defines the entire spectrum of salutation and politeness even in this country where English language has some momentous roots.
And I strongly feel that with the exception of the readers of this blog, human race today is neither ‘very faithful’ nor ‘very sincere’.
We write letters because we expect something in return.
Why not do away with the false pretence?
Let’s stick to ‘very anticipatingly yours’!!
Gone are the days when letters were written to friends and relatives to remain in touch - text has taken that responsibility.
Love is no longer communicated thru perfumed, painfully handwritten calligraphic letters – facebook, online dating sites etc are enough.
‘Mate’ and ‘Cheers’ defines the entire spectrum of salutation and politeness even in this country where English language has some momentous roots.
And I strongly feel that with the exception of the readers of this blog, human race today is neither ‘very faithful’ nor ‘very sincere’.
We write letters because we expect something in return.
Why not do away with the false pretence?
Let’s stick to ‘very anticipatingly yours’!!
This is so true and you have put it in words very well.
ReplyDeleteYou've put your finger on the right pulse brother, this new style of communicating has truly but sadly engulfed most of us, and has even corrupted our written English too. I see you are no exception to it when you write "Thru" in place of "through"... ;)
ReplyDeleteI know it has covered us all and we dont even realise it..
It has been sometime and, slowly but surely, people sincere enough to be able to do away with 'yours sincerely' have replaced it with 'best regards', etc. Did not understand the commotion inside you. Was it a result of observations or introspections? Go ahead and do what you feel is right. Thankfully there are enough mature people around to accept innovations and idiosyncracies too. Worthy matter will find precedence over method. Always did, always will.
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ReplyDeleteThe blogger has simply expressed the falling standards of the language and humoured the stuck up attitude that people have about these things.
Your comment goes on to prove it.
Did it strike you or your standards somewhere or did you fail to catch the humour.
Well said. But the earlier English was too formal and I appreciate the Americans who have modified the spellings, pronunciation, salutation and usage of english like the word 'thru'you have used inplace of 'through'.
ReplyDeleteI searched this as I am a college student who wants to score good in english papers. I am from India and I am very convinced of the idea but cannot as the examiner may not have the same mindset.
ReplyDelete