UWP 104A Business Writing

Sam Choi
Although the widespread usage of social media is altering the accepted
standard of grammar, in the professional workplace, proper usage of
grammar should be upheld to a strict orthodox because of the professional
implications it will have.
It is true that language inevitably evolves over time and its foolish to
stubbornly resist it. A comical example can be found in the word noob.
Noob was first derived as an indirect result of the internet. My own first,
personal recollections of the noun take me back to a prepubescent era and
anonymity of computer games. Hidden behind a screen, players in a
multitude of competitive games were empowered to shout derogatory slang
in an attempt to dispirit the enemys pride. The popularity of the word spread
like wildfire and soon it could be heard from classrooms all around the
country. It was a word that frustrated schoolteachers and scholars
everywhere. In an effort to censure the proliferation of the despicable noun,
they would condemn its usage. However, the peoples voice would not be
drowned out and democracy eventually prevailed. If a layman types the word
in Google, the online dictionary defines the word as a newbie, especially a
person who is new to an online community and whose online participation
and interaction display a lack of skill or knowledge. The underdog story of
noob imparts a nugget of wisdomlanguage is like a wave, always
changing and never still. Then does this imply that when we write emails or
resumes to superiors we should refer to ourselves as noobs seeking

UWP 104A Business Writing

Sam Choi
employment? Certainly not if we enjoy earning income and prefer not to live
in a cardboard box.
Social media like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are impersonal tools
for expression. It isnt bound by the same grammatical standard as the
professional workplace because of one, defining factorthere is no money
involved. If a person is being paid for services, he has an obligation to
uphold a professional image. Correct syntax is the most fundamental form of
respect and competence. It signals that the potential business is being taken
seriously and not for granted. Beyond this ethical approach, there is a selfseeking reason behind this dogma. If a potential business partner reads
slang and incorrect grammar, he may be unwilling to work with what he
views as an incompetent human being. Whether that opinion is true or
invalid should not be the primary focus. What should matter is the lost
revenue resulting from easily correctable and menial grammatical errors.
Proper grammar assures the partner that his time and money is not being
wasted on an inept dunce. If I was put in an ethical dilemma at work I would
patiently outline the above-mentioned points and act accordingly to fix any
mistakes on my part.
So to summarize, there is no dichotomy even in regards to language.
New words will be invented and may become socially acceptable and usable
in the workplace over the eons. However, at this present moment its
important to keep up professional appearances, especially in the
competitive, corporate world we live in. In hindsight this kind of rhetoric

UWP 104A Business Writing

Sam Choi
seems common-sense, but knowing is different from understanding. While I
havent used slang, abbreviations, or improper grammar in the professional
settings, I am guilty of being ignorant on proper resume guidelines. My
friends have dismally pursed their lips and impatiently tapped the amateur
mistakes on my paper. Thats why I want to take this class and learn where
this invisible thread of professionalism lies so I dont cross it. So in
conclusion, my goal is to develop proficient enough business writing skills to
shed off my amateur or nooby ways.