Letter: More emphasis needed on English as a first language

I read with great satisfaction the letter from one of your readers (Maribeth Weide Smith, Oct. 17). I, too, have noticed the misuse of the English language.

She pointed out the fractured use of the words “gone/went.” When I read that the schools in Walla Walla are planning to have bi-lingual education, I had to express my deep concern for using taxpayer money for that when the English language is being slaughtered. It also seems to me that the money would be better spent to teach the students math and science along with the correct use of English.

When the use of filler words such as like, you know, I mean, basically, etc., are added for no reason, it detracts from the intelligence of the person.

I recently heard someone say “Her and me had went ... .” Sorry, but that is like fingernails on the blackboard.

This story was originally published November 7, 2017 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Letter: More emphasis needed on English as a first language."