Writing Survey

Chartrand · Feb 9, 2010

Greetings!

I am an English major conducting a survey for one of my writing assignments. I'd like to collect a wide range of responses, so to this board I pose the following question:

In what kinds of professions do you think English plays a significant role, and what do these professions contribute to the working world?

While this topic could be discussed at great length, I would prefer that your responses be on the brief side. Thanks!

Wayne K · Feb 9, 2010

I don't understand the question. How's that for brief?

Wayne K · Feb 9, 2010

Oh, and

to AW

I hope someone brighter than me comes along to help you out.

Chartrand · Feb 9, 2010

Sorry if the question was initially confusing, I edited my first post in an effort to make it clearer.

Thanks again, and if you have any questions, just ask.

Scoates · Feb 9, 2010

Chartrand said:
Greetings!

I am an English major conducting a survey for one of my writing assignments. I'd like to collect a wide range of responses, so to this board I pose the following question:

How is English/writing utilized in the professional world, and what is its benefit to society?

While this topic could be discussed at great length, I would prefer that your responses be on the brief side. Thanks!

My first reaction is to say that the ability to speak or write well is primarily only good for impressing future employers. Its benefit to society is that, in this regard, it is somewhat successful.

Polenth · Feb 9, 2010

I'd suggest editing your first post, because you've asked two different questions... it'll be odd (and not useful for your studies) to have answers to both of them mixed up.

Wayne K · Feb 9, 2010

Now I get it. I think it benefits any profession, for different reasons, because language is everything. You have to know what's offensive, what's not. What's hip, or cool. If you advertise, you need to learn a law library, or hire someone who has.

Professionals (as well as anyone) have to choose their words carefully.

dpaterso · Feb 10, 2010

Chartrand said:
In what kinds of professions do you think English plays a significant role, and what do these professions contribute to the working world?

You're asking this question on a writers' board, so the answer is kinda self-evident.

-Derek

DrZoidberg · Feb 10, 2010

We could all learn French. Then English would be completely unnecessary.

gothicangel · Feb 10, 2010

All of them.

I'm a year off graduating from my BA [English Studies and Scottish Literature] and an English degree is a key that will open any door you want.

Yes there is the obvious teaching; publishing; and academia. But it can open doors to business; marketing; advertising; retail; law; tourism; politics . . . the list is endless.

Bufty · Feb 10, 2010

This question hardly needs an internet post to generate answers, surely. :Shrug:

Jamesaritchie · Feb 10, 2010

Since Ebglish is the world wide language of business, I'd say English plays a significant role in pretty much every profession.

stitchingirl · Feb 10, 2010

There a lot of professions that benefit from proper English. I'm taking a Medical Records college course and even that requires the proper English. While the language itself may be beneficial to all professions, what matters the most is the tone for that business. You wouldn't want to have a casual tone in a presentation that sounds like you're giving a speech to your mother or cousin. But, you wouldn't want to use a business tone in an email to your family or friends either, unless that's how you generally talk to them.
Proper English and spelling is beneficial to everyone and every business.

gothicangel · Feb 10, 2010

Talking about my English BA, I'm applying for an MSc in Highland Studies. If I win a place I will be learning Gaellic, but first I need my English degree.

owlion · Feb 10, 2010

It gives you a basis for learning new languages (you already know the second hardest language out there), so it opens new doors to you.
You can instantly go into professions such as teaching, library work, publishing, writing (journalism) etc. and many other employers will look for it.
English literature shows that you have some good understanding of the context and social issues surrounding literature, so it's even more helpful for finding careers.

Linda Adams · Feb 10, 2010

All of them. If you can't communicate what you are going to do or what you want, things won't happen the way you want.

bonitakale · Feb 12, 2010

Linda Adams said:
All of them. If you can't communicate what you are going to do or what you want, things won't happen the way you want.

Exactly. Even in professions that seem to abandon English for jargon (like law and education), you need to be understandable from time to time.

Libbie · Feb 12, 2010

In any English-speaking country, English plays a crucial role in every profession which requires clear communication between two or more people.

Matera the Mad · Feb 12, 2010

What she said.

Also works in forums.

Writing Survey

Chartrand

Wayne K

Wayne K

Chartrand

Scoates

Polenth

Mushroom

Wayne K

dpaterso

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

DrZoidberg

aka TomOfSweden

gothicangel

Toughen up.

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Jamesaritchie

stitchingirl

gothicangel

Toughen up.

owlion

Absorbing inspiration from the moon

Linda Adams

Soldier, Storyteller

bonitakale

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint