National Grammar Day
By Sharon Schweitzer
National Grammar Day is observed across the United States each year on March 4th. The observance encourages the use of correct grammar in both verbal and written language.
Grammar is a vital part of communication, as the inclusion or exclusion of certain grammatical elements can completely change the meaning of a sentence. This holiday was established by Martha Brockenbrough—a writer and founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar—otherwise known as SPOGG. On February 29th of that same year, George W. Bush sent a letter of greetings to all those people celebrating this holiday and went on to say that National Grammar Day is an opportunity to recognize how communication skills can help Americans meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The topic of grammar doesn’t need to make you break out in a cold sweat. Grammar is about the deeper structure of language, and it’s less rigid than you might think. In fact, grammar literally means “the study of the way the sentences of a language are constructed; morphology and syntax.” In other words, if you can speak a language, you’ve already got a solid understanding of grammar!
At its core, language is about conveying our ideas clearly to others, and grammar helps us do that. Over time, English speakers have developed a number of rules and conventions that are generally expected in professional, official, and educational settings. Following these rules might seem like a pain, but it helps ensure you’re communicating concisely and your meaning is understood.
According to the Global Language Monitor, the estimated number of words in the English language is 1,025,109. There is some controversy over that figure, but it’s safe to say it is over a million.Language is something to celebrate. Some people might suggest that grammar is a set of rules for language, but it is a system for understanding language. Understanding the system and the structure helps us understand each other better and help us learn new languages.
March 4th is all about learning and training, becoming better with your grammar and becoming better in the eyes of others, because good grammar always stands for good education, and we all want to be surrounded with only smart people, people we can talk with on different subjects. Engage your audience by asking them to share their grammar pet peeves or favorite grammar rules. In addition to engaging your audience, you can use this day to educate and empower your employees.
On National Grammar Day, activities such as workshops, seminars, writing contests, and social media campaigns are organized to engage people in discussions about grammar rules, language usage, and the evolution of language in modern communication. Many organizations and institutions also use the day as an opportunity to offer resources and tips for improving grammar skills and fostering a greater understanding of language mechanics.
Lastly, take the opportunity to proofread and edit any important documents or content that your business is working on. Ensuring that your written materials are free from grammatical errors can go a long way in maintaining your professional reputation.
Photo by nationaldaycalendar.com
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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