Seattle Kiser Dr.

Rieman October 24th, 2013 English 1100

Aint so Easy Growing up in the South aint is a word everyone knows. Your English teachers and your educated superiors encourage you not to use the word in your writing or speech. When your little you think: Why does this matter? Everyone knows what it means? Even though I tend to use this word regularly around my friends and family, I never use it when I am talking in a formal setting. The word aint definitely has a long cultural background where we live.

I feel that the word aint has a certain connotation when heard by someone who does not live in the south or the US. They see it as an unintelligent word and a word that is only used by someone with little education. This is my personal opinion and feeling. What if Everyone thought the word aint was acceptable. Everyone around the world started using it. It was acceptable and a normal part speech. People used it all the time and everyone knew what it meant. It was even taught to people around the world learning English.

What would change? Why would this be a big deal? Yes, the word aint sounds lazy and southern sometimes. Why should this matter? There are a lot of word that do not sound right, but there still words and still used. I feel that the word aint is used all the time, therefore, it should be a word and listed in the dictionary.

I do; however, think that there should still be labels under words in the dictionary that are slang or vulgar. For example, if an individual learning English wants to look up a word, they need to know how its used and if it is considered a bad word in our culture. Also, aint should be listed in the dictionary for people, learning or new to English, so they can look it up.

I believe that the radio segment and article, both believe that critics are overreacting to this new dictionary and its additions. The article even talks about how the word aint has been in the dictionary for a long time. I just feel that this issue is ruled by negative connotations of the word and how it has been used in the past. I believe that the world has bigger and more crucial problems for people to complain about other than simple words added to the dictionary. I do think; however, that there are settings that the word should not be used in. I would never put this word in my writing and I would never say aint in a job interview. I do believe it is ok to use the word in a casual setting.

Reflection

I tried to experiment with my writing to make this WTE more interesting. I tried use a different structure that would keep a readers attention. I hope I was clear on my point and my thoughts were not scattered. Honestly, I am scared to get out of my comfort zone when writing

these WTEs because I want to get a good grade. I go back and forth a lot in this WT when talking about my opinions on the matter.