LETTERS: FORMING OUR LANGUAGE

To the editor:

We learn good grammar as well as swear words from those with whom we come in contact. They not only determine the course of language, but also give definition and meaning.

We can remember the word "gay" used to mean joyful and happy. Now it has taken on a different connotation. The word "aids" used to mean "helps" or "assistance." Now it has strayed far afield and refers as well to a dreaded disease.

The media are a powerful force in determining the course of our language. Some words seem to enrich a language, while others tend to corrupt it.

We hope that as we communicate with each other our efforts may help to make our language not only politically correct, but grammatically correct as well. We are still developing the language to be passed on to those who follow.

IVAN NOTHDURFT

Cape Girardeau