Many English people can't speak English?

[Metis]

Language is an ever evolving thing, and as long as the involved parties understand each other, I don't think it matters much. What you feel to be the butchered version of english, is probably the current norm of the circle where the kids communicate most. From your perspective they are saying it wrong, but from theirs, you are doing it wrong.

But this is the thing, they are doing it wrong. The Oxford English dictionary is the definitive collection of English words, and while I do appreciate there is slang and new words that don't always make it there are some precepts such as basic grammar and spelling that are required.

"I caunt Undstand"

"The proper, way..."

I literally just went onto my Skype account and copied a few lines from a group chat. Certainly these people are not being assessed for anything but surely knowing where commas and capital letters go is something that wouldn't be out of place and constitutes the correct use of English? There is no "Undstand" in my copy of Oxford's dictionary, and yet one of my students felt no shame in sending this to me.

The fact everyone in ones social circle may be an illiterate does not make being one any better. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but it is something that I think sorely needs improvement.

Another thing I really hate and I actually do call people out on is "Can I get...". No, you can't get that book, it's in my desk....Ooooh, you meant you wanted that book? Well why didn't you say can I have?

I'm aware that makes me sound like an arsehole, but I can't stand it. Wouldn't do it outside of work though.