Grammar, Writing and the Evolution of the English Language

Some critics say Americans just don't care about the English language anymore, and they point to studies that show college students unable to write a solid essay or the loosening grammatical standards that we see in blogging and "texting". At the same time, many grammar books are creating quite a buzz including the recently released fifty year old classic Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. Today on The Exchange, we'll ask two English teachers how well we're doing, how they teach grammar and writing, and the challenges we face in keeping up with our constantly evolving language. Laura is joined by Selma Naccach-Hoff, English Department Coordinator and Teacher at Central High School in Manchester and Gary Bouchard, English Professor at St. Anselm College.

For a $120 credit card contribution during this hour of The Exchange, you'll receive the recently released illustrated edition of Strunk and White's classic, The Elements of Style. To see examples of the illustrations, visit artist Maira Kalman's website.