There has been much discussion about the declining standard of written English - bad grammar, phrasing, structure, spelling, etc. The standard of spoken English appears to have also deteriorated. How many times have we heard the word 'memorable' pronounced 'meh-MORE-able'? How many times have we heard 'surplus' and 'purchase' mispronounced?

Even so-called 'professionals' are at fault. I have heard newsreaders and teachers pronounce 'coveted' as 'co-vetted' and 'epitome' as 'e-pi-tome'. Do people not know that 'between' should be followed by 'and' or 'or' (instead of 'to') as it addresses the matter of choice. Or that 'from' should be accompanied by 'to' (instead of 'and')?

I understand the difference between the English-educated and the English-speaking. I can accept that the latter does not guarantee accuracy. But surely, there is no excuse for the former. And there are some people who used the word 'irregardless' instead of 'regardless' What does it say of us that we would rather do this - make it convenient - than make the effort to ensure correctness? That we are more accepting and flexible or that we are just too lazy and have given up the cause?

I guess it does not matter anymore how something is said so long as the recipient understands the message being conveyed. (Is this not the traditional definition of communication?) Or does it? Do we simply accept this state of affairs or find ways to address it? Some may accuse me of being an English-elitist. I just care.

Rocson Chang Chi Meng