It is important to use proper English when talking to anyone. Your family, the store clerk and your neighbors appreciate correct usage of our language. Now all that is saying is use proper words when talking, like "I did it," not "I done it," and you know all those things we can easily slip into. Yep, it is a slippery slope!
The usage of correct English does not in any way affect the speed of speech or descriptions of items. You are proper to be slow and draw good clear pictures when talking about anything you must describe. Using adjectives is a talent many folks in our area are blessed with. We are fond of always adding how, or what kind of and all of that to almost everything we talk about!
I have to tell you about a feller who stays home most of the time. He works hard on his place and it shows, good cattle, good fences and neat homestead. He does drop in to the coffee emporium when he comes to town and we all enjoy his visit. He is the 'King of Descriptions,' hands down, and no one has ever challenged him!
This feller, Ted, told us a story about one of his days in Kansas during the winter of 1995, and it took two hours to hear the whole story. We regular round-table fellers were spellbound and drank several pots of coffee and I ate two pieces of pie during the episode. That is about my regular speed, 2 slabs per hour, but I digress!
We started out knowing the color of sky, the bloodline and color of his horse, the 5 strand barb wire fence, the cheater on the wire gate and it went on from there. His saddle was old, he had a deep Cheyenne roll and his oxbow stirrups were good. The horse had shoes on the front but not on the rear feet and was ground tie broken. It went on from there and we knew the old cow's breath smelled like she had been drinking muddy water by the time we got through. You must remember, Ted uses correct grammar and never injects ain't into any sentence.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, I could improve my speech about 75 percent if I would even halfway try to watch what I say. I could continue my unique pattern, as could you and everyone, but only be aware of what we are saying. I never have said crick for creek and not in my lifetime will I say et for ate, but if that is proper to some, go for it. Add all the adjectives necessary to color your story, but make it English, not uneducated and unaware of how it sounds.
Those of us who are old are examples for the youth and I want them to speak clearly and correctly. Of course, it is OK to drop or add a syllable or two, and make up a word or two if the need arises; that helps the tinting of the story! I like color in my life!
Bill is the pen name used by a local writer and longtime resident of the Gravette area. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 06/18/2014