Mit Reklaw’s Truth on Modern Speech

What is up with modern-day speech patterns? Must all questions take the form of a negative? Do all responses require the same treatment?

Confused? You probably are, because those three queries were all put to you in a regular, neutral format. Here’s an example of the alternative: Are we not concerned with modern-day speech patterns? Do we no longer know how to ask neutral questions? Are all responses not heading in the same direction?

So why is it happening? Is it just a form of natural vernacular evolution? Is it just the way modern dialect is going? Do you see? This is how we used to ask questions before some pretentious dick-wad stepped up with his pompous tongue and tried to make himself (yes, of course he was male, they always are) sound more intelligent than he really was.

Do you not think it was a good idea? Did it not sound good to you?

You might notice also, this pretentious dude, pompous though his tongue may be, is of a largely monosyllabic tongue, and that’s just my point. Often this kind of technique is used, perhaps sub-consciously, by a low-intellect speaker in order to bolster his oration – did someone say pretentious? Questions around the negative do have their place, indeed, they usually have a more emphatic quality about them and for that reason, are ideal for rebuke, for scolding or sarcasm but not for regular usage, and certainly not all the time. The emphasis is soon to wear off if that is all that someone is hearing.

Regarding vernacular evolution, for sure, this is a real thing. In fact, if we go back half a century and eavesdrop on a generic conversation, we will hear the beginnings of the speech patterns which are currently being derided.

Example given: ‘Heavens above, companion of mine, my faithful steed has stumbled upon a fallen log along the pathway and for now at least, I fear is rendered incapacitated. What ever shall I do?’

‘Oh mercy, you are correct in your verbose analysis, my dear friend, but worry not. You will ride with me, for we shall not let this ostensible impasse halt our progress.’

‘But friend, surely my allocation of aid intended for those impecunious souls in the next settlement, will prove overly burdensome for your steed alone, thus I think, I must return to the village and seek assistance.’

‘Do not be foolish, good friend o’ mine, it may be onerous, but it shall be done. Do not you have faith? Have not you laid your trust in the Almighty?’

 

Yeah. Pretty sure it’s in there somewhere, try those last couple of lines.

As you’ll see, negatives in questions have been a developing theme probably for as long as speech has been reciprocated and as much as it can be effective, it can also be overdone. The best way to lose an audience is overuse of a word, phrase or oration technique.

So with regard to negative queries, do you not think it sometimes necessary?

Sometimes, perhaps, but sure as hell not there.

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *