Sep 06 2009
I Will Further Your Farthers
My editor brought up something pretty interesting to me the last time we talked on the phone, and it got me wondering–
What would be the ‘correct’ English while editing a novel?
What I mean is–one, she pointed out how commas are used differently in different parts of the world that practice English as a language. I’m talking about dialects here, I guess. Even words like ‘farther’ and ‘further’. I never knew that some constituents of the English language never bothered to distinguish the difference between the two words. The word ‘further’ was used to imply distance as well as time.
However, I learned it differently. ‘Farther’ is used for distance. ‘Further’ is used for time.
That’s just an example, though. Since there are several, I guess (for lack of a better term) dialects of English (which is completely understandable now that I think of it), which one would we use, I guess, while editing?
I personally think the way we’ve been taught English is considered correct no matter how many minute differences there are. But should we hold to ONE way while we write and edit? Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Compliments? Kool-Aid? Frankfurters? Anyone? Anyone?
I think your work should be edited in whatever “dialect” you normally use. Write for yourself, and then it can be translated, or whatever, as it becomes necessary. Its always easiest to write how you speak, therefore your work will be best if you’re not concentrating on that particular stipulation.