Why It's OK to Have Bad Spelling and Grammar

Jessica Flanigan (University of Richmond)

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Hardback

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English

Routledge
28 February 2025

Philosophy of language; Ethics & moral philosophy; Social & political philosophy; Media studies

Series: Why It's OK

Grammatical errors and orthographic mishaps are often played for laughs, but this subtle sanctioning by the sticklerocracy can have real social consequences too. Attention to prescriptive spelling and grammar rules is insidious and harmful.

As Jessica Flanigan argues in Why It’s OK to Have Bad Spelling and Grammar, grammarianism often maintains hierarchies, entrenches the advantages of privileged groups, and imposes arbitrary barriers to knowledge production and innovation. For example, the stigmatization of bad spelling and grammar disadvantages linguistic minorities, non-native speakers, and people with disabilities. Spelling and grammar norms are also frequently arbitrary and unnecessary. The petty grammandos among us, who cling to pedantic linguistic conventions, are standing in the way of innovative forms of communication and efficient speech, such as the emoji ☺. For these reasons, Flanigan argues that bad spelling and grammar are OK. It’s time to break free from the tyranny of the grammilitia in the name of comprehension and creativity. As long as speakers and writers can effectively communicate to charitable listeners and readers, people shouldn’t care about bad spelling and grammar.

Key Features

Explains why spelling tests and spelling bees are counterproductive in achieving literacy and better communication Engages with the history of language policing and the brave anti-grammarian resistance Describes some of the key benefits of linguistic liberalism Proposes a political agenda to resist the sticklerocracy and overthrow a world of word nerds

By: Jessica Flanigan (University of Richmond)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm,
Weight: 666g
ISBN: 9780367897727
ISBN 10: 0367897725
Series: Why It's OK
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 28 February 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Jessica Flanigan is the Richard L. Morrill Chair in Ethics and Democratic Values at the University of Richmond, where she teaches Leadership Ethics, Ethical Decision Making in Healthcare, and Critical Thinking. Her research addresses the ethics of public policy, medicine, and business. In Pharmaceutical Freedom (2017), she defends rights of self-medication. In Debating Sex Work (2019), she defends the decriminalization of sex work.

Reviews for Why It's OK to Have Bad Spelling and Grammar

“We are surrounded by the grammar police, and for most of my life I have been inclined to surrender peacefully with my hands up. Jessica Flanigan’s vigorous defense of grammatical anarchism is the intervention I didn’t know I needed. This book is essential reading for grammatical sticklers and deviants alike!” —Matthew Strohl, University of Montana “Tackling everything from spelling and grammar to sanctions and style, Flanigan provides a fascinating foray into the evolving linguistic landscape of our digital age. An enjoyable and enlightening read!” — Gregory Robson, Iowa State University “Jessica Flanigan takes no prisoners in this riposte to linguistic busybodies. She won’t change their minds. Nothing will. But those under their influence, including ordinary teachers who are ‘just trying to help,’ will now think long and hard before correcting a misplaced hyphen. For that, we must thank her. This is a welcome reminder that grammar, spelling, punctuation, and so on, exist to serve humanity, not vice versa. Read and enjoy.” – Alex Barber, The Open University