I actually like grammar (especially when it likes me…). I even got a Grammar specialist tag to a TEFL certification several years ago (of about the same value as some of the testimonials given out near the end of the Wizard of OZ movie…). In any case, I think that there is some value in learning how to express oneself with precision and clarity. Occasionally grammar can help in this valiant effort.
Grammar represents most of the tiresome aspects of learning a new language, and is also why most students hate math (isn’t middle school algebra nothing but grammar?), so it isn’t too much of a stretch to see that most people have some sort of love/hate relationship with this (OK, mostly hate…).
One of the things I find curious is elitism displayed by those who have taken enough language classes, and have studies enough to reasonably consider themselves to be grammar experts. There is a weird lack of empathy for the grammar troglodytes out there. This sort of brittleness has always struck me as having to be related in some dark way with some other trivial forms of elitism (Apple Fan Boi’s, some Vegans, and world weary 20 year old travelers). Here are a couple examples of using this perspective to drive a wedge between the haves and the have nots…
Grammar Nazi: then you’re probably an atheist http://epiphenom.fieldofscience.com/2011/02/grammar-nazi-then-youre-probably.html
My anal-retentive, nit-picky grammar post
http://caloriecount.about.com/anal-retentive-nit-picky-grammar-post-ft192824
Peeve – People who are Picky about grammar
http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-256688-2449317
