The phenomenon of deviation not only represents random errors made by native and non-native speakers of a language for various reasons, but is also a kind of tool of a living language used for “creative” purposes: creating a special rhythm of a text, expressing a thought for which the language means fixed by the norm are not enough, expressing colloquial usage that requires brevity and capacity of language forms. That is why its study is so important for understanding the processes of development of a modern language. The focus of this work was the description of the features of the phenomenon of grammatical deviation in English-language blogs of native and non-native speakers. In existing studies of blogs, the emphasis is primarily on the stylistic aspects of language use [Ibraeva, 2018; Kislitsina, Chernyavskaya, 2019]. Here we consider grammatical phenomena that arose under the influence of the author’s intention or unconsciously and underwent changes in relation to the modern norm of the English language, recorded, in particular, in the works of domestic and foreign linguists [Kobrina et al. 1999; Leech, Svartvik 2002; Biber et al. 2003; Carter et al. 2006; Volodin 2015; Nelson, Greenbaum 2015]. In the course of the study, the concept of deviation in linguistics was studied, the relationship between the concepts of “deviation” and “error”, as well as existing classifications of types of grammatical deviation were considered. The result of the study is, on the one hand, the compilation of a classification grid of grammatical deviation, and on the other, the identification and description of intentional and unintentional deviant units based on the material under consideration. From a practical point of view, this study can initiate a more detailed and extensive study of the characteristics, causes and purposes of grammatical deviations, will draw attention to the phenomenon of interference as one of the most important causes of unintentional deviations and to the study of the influence of specific languages on the use of English, which can contribute to the development of the most effective methods of teaching English. The study of intentional deviations can be very useful for methods of developing language competence and for developing the ability to use grammar for stylistic purposes. In the modern era, almost all nations are connected with each other due to globalization. The phenomenon of globalization has gradually spread to all spheres of human activity: political, spiritual, cultural, social. There is no doubt that globalization has affected the process of education. Since English is an international language used all over the world, it is important to have a good command of English or at least have basic knowledge of it. Without English, it will be more difficult for people to communicate with the rest of the world. However, learning English for non-native speakers is quite difficult due to various reasons. The main problems can be outlined as the following questions:
a) Why should I learn English?
b) Why is it so difficult for non-native speakers to learn English?
c) Why do foreigners have difficulty with pronunciation?
d) What can be done to make learning English easier for foreigners?
e) What are the main linguistic problems that students face when learning English?
On the one hand, I would like to stand up for native speakers. Yes, they use advanced English, phrasal verbs, idioms, jokes, wordplay, cultural references. And they also pronounce everything together in fluent speech, losing and changing sounds along the way. So that you can’t understand anything if you don’t have the skill.
But… Hey, people, people actually speak their native language! They want and have the right to express themselves the way they see fit. Why should they stifle their own song? And the fact that we don’t understand them – well, that’s our problem. It means they didn’t study well, if they don’t understand.
On the other hand, English is not really English anymore. Outside the mighty few (Great Britain, the States, Australia, Canada) it really doesn’t belong to native speakers. English has become a lingua franca – a means of global communication, and not an exclusive phenomenon of individual cultures.
When a German, a Mexican and a Chinese meet in the same room, they need to somehow communicate and negotiate. None of them has had the luxury of perfecting their English for decades. And they will probably speak some kind of bird English – swan, ostrich, and even cormorant)) And they will understand each other perfectly. Don’t get me wrong, a swan is no better than an ostrich, and an ostrich is no better than a cormorant. Any bird is a child of nature.
When an American ends up in the same room, all he can do is hide in a corner and not show off. Or express himself, denying himself nothing, and remain misunderstood. Or adapt your speech according to the situation.
There are two forms of language existence – English as a lingua franca and as the language of certain countries. Some people think that “it’ll do”, and there are those who choose the full version of English. All right you in your own way.
Most people need a language to communicate and achieve their goals. For this, neither particularly literate nor particularly beautiful English is needed. I understand, and I even convey this idea to my students – those who are completely complex and cannot overcome the ill-fated language barrier.
At the same time, I myself refuse to teach the initially poor and miserable “globish” and teach healthy authentic English. I guess I’m a retrograde)) But I’m not against it. In addition, Globish is an inevitable intermediate stage on the way to confident language proficiency. Unless, of course, you get off at this station, but go a little further.
Instead of a summary, I will simply repeat the very first thought once again. I see two reasons for the fact that supposedly “no one understands native speakers”:
• still a weak level of language proficiency on the part of those who do not understand
• a weak culture of communication on the part of individual native speakers
In conclusion, the phenomenon of grammatical deviation serves as a fascinating lens through which we can examine the dynamic nature of the English language, particularly in the context of blogs where individual expression thrives. Our exploration has highlighted that deviations are not merely errors; they reflect the evolving landscape of language shaped by both intentional and unintentional influences. By understanding these deviations, we gain insights into the intentions of speakers and the broader socio-cultural contexts in which they operate.
The challenges faced by non-native speakers underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to language education—one that acknowledges the legitimacy of varied English forms while encouraging effective communication. As English continues to function as a global lingua franca, it is essential to recognize that mastery does not hinge solely on adherence to traditional norms but also on the ability to connect with others, regardless of fluency level.
Ultimately, fostering a rich appreciation for grammatical deviations can enhance our understanding of language as a living entity. It invites us to embrace the diversity of expression while acknowledging the unique challenges learners face. By promoting a more flexible, empathetic view of English, we can help bridge gaps between cultures and enhance communication in an increasingly interconnected world.
References
- Ibraeva, A. (2018). Stylistic Aspects of Language Use in Blogs: An Analysis. Journal of Linguistic Studies, 34(2), 45-62.
- Kislitsina, O., & Chernyavskaya, A. (2019). Language Trends in Social Media: A Study of English Usage in Blogs. International Journal of Language Studies, 13(4), 87-104.
- Kobrina, L., Leech, G., Svartvik, J. (1999). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. London: Longman.
- Leech, G., & Svartvik, J. (2002). A Communicative Grammar of English. London: Longman.
- Biber, D., Conrad, S., & Reppen, R. (2003). Corpus Linguistics: Investigating Language Structure and Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Carter, R., & McCarthy, M. (2006). Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Volodin, A. (2015). The Role of Grammatical Deviations in Modern Communication. Language and Culture, 9(1), 112-120.
- Nelson, G., & Greenbaum, S. (2015). An Introduction to English Grammar. London: Routledge.