IT IS NOT UNCOMMON:
Efficient language is smarter language.
Say it with me: Efficient language is smarter language.
What does this imply about
academics who love superfluous double and triple negatives? Lest we get too censorious, let's remember
that they often write for scholarly quarterlies. These unreadable publications encourage poor style, because
obfuscation confuses rival scholars.
And it is common,
indeed. Astute reader Jerry Davis of La
Crosse, Wisconsin, sent a complaint about ostentatious multiple negatives to
the Institute for the Linguistically Impaired.
Thanks to Mr. Davis, we've added this impairment to our treatment list
for college level staff.
The same ivy-choked brains
may say, "I'm not saying you're not
noncommittal." That's the pot
calling the kettle nonwhite.
All good thinking can be expressed in clear, simple English. If one truly knows his or her subject, he or
she should be able to make a reasonably bright twelve-year-old understand
it. Anything.
Say it again: Efficient
language is smarter language.
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