You mention "what is considered professional" in written English. The problem is, it's impossible to be completely confident that your written piece is correct because there is no formal definition of "correct." Take for example gender-neutral third-person pronouns. We don't really have one in English. You can say "he or she" or "the user" or even the dubious "they," but none really sound "correct." If there were a formal grammar for English, you could just use "they" (assuming that is what the grammar specifies) and no one could really argue that you're incorrect or using "bad style." There are local style guides, and I think they're a good thing, but aren't most of them not public and free? I know MLA isn't free, which is ironic since universities often require you conform to MLA style (also, MLA isn't a very formal grammar when it comes to citing sources).
When I say "language government," I don't necessarily mean there would be any relation with an actual government. In fact, any free and amendable formal grammar/style guide would qualify as "language government."
When I say "language government," I don't necessarily mean there would be any relation with an actual government. In fact, any free and amendable formal grammar/style guide would qualify as "language government."
I think we have reached an intellectual compromise we can both agree on :-) I think an open style guide backed by a respected foundation and esteemed board (a la the Creative Commons organization) would be an excellent idea.
You are right about the slightly closed nature of style guides. I'm a big fan of the Chicago Manual of Style but it's not free, and nor is the fine AP Stylebook (they even charge $20 or something for their iPhone app..)
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You mention "what is considered professional" in written English. The problem is, it's impossible to be completely confident that your written piece is correct because there is no formal definition of "correct." Take for example gender-neutral third-person pronouns. We don't really have one in English. You can say "he or she" or "the user" or even the dubious "they," but none really sound "correct." If there were a formal grammar for English, you could just use "they" (assuming that is what the grammar specifies) and no one could really argue that you're incorrect or using "bad style." There are local style guides, and I think they're a good thing, but aren't most of them not public and free? I know MLA isn't free, which is ironic since universities often require you conform to MLA style (also, MLA isn't a very formal grammar when it comes to citing sources).
When I say "language government," I don't necessarily mean there would be any relation with an actual government. In fact, any free and amendable formal grammar/style guide would qualify as "language government."
When I say "language government," I don't necessarily mean there would be any relation with an actual government. In fact, any free and amendable formal grammar/style guide would qualify as "language government."
I think we have reached an intellectual compromise we can both agree on :-) I think an open style guide backed by a respected foundation and esteemed board (a la the Creative Commons organization) would be an excellent idea.
You are right about the slightly closed nature of style guides. I'm a big fan of the Chicago Manual of Style but it's not free, and nor is the fine AP Stylebook (they even charge $20 or something for their iPhone app..)