My Perspective on Writing
Writing has always been more than just words on a page, it is a form of cultural, social, dynamic expression, among many others, that is constantly evolving and developing. It is a way of communicating, persuading and creating meaning in the text that is written. For me, writing is not just about following firm and structured rules, but its main goal is to understand how language works in different contexts and perspectives for different audiences. The idea that there is only one correct way to write is a misconception and limits critical thinking and accessibility in communication.
Elizabeth Wardle's view on writing.
What I think about it?
Elizabeth Wardle emphasizes writing as a social and contextual activity, which I completely agree with. He argues that writing is not a universal skill that can be learned through a single formula, but rather is an adaptive practice shaped by discipline, culture, and audience. In his opinion, writing should be a flexible and evolutionary process, and I agree with this idea. It's not about fitting into a mold but about learning to communicate effectively in different situations.
Wardle challenges the notion that good writing follows a fixed set of rules and instead advocates for rhetorical awareness: the ability to evaluate writing situations and adjust them accordingly. This makes a lot of sense to me because writing should meet the needs of its audience rather than conform to rigid, outdated structures. I think the ability to adapt writing to different contexts is more valuable than memorizing rules that may not always apply.
There Is One Correct Way of Writing and Speaking by Anjali Pattanayak
My Thoughts...
This book challenges the belief that there is a single form of writing that all writers should aim for. I completely understand your argument that this belief is rooted in linguistic discrimination and reinforces social inequalities. In my view, insisting on a single correct way of writing and speaking marginalizes voices from diverse linguistic backgrounds and inspires creativity.She highlights how the application of a standard form of English excludes non-dominant cultures and their unique linguistic expressions. This fits with my perspective that good writing is not only about following a fixed context, but also about transmitting more ideas directly, in a way that coexists with the target audience. Language is constantly changing and, instead of restricting it, we should embrace its diversity and evolution.
Final thoughts
Writing is a great tool for communication and expression, which should definitely be accessible to everyone, regardless of their linguistic background. By recognizing the social nature and context of writing, as Wardle suggests, and by rejecting the myth of a singular way of writing correctly, as Pattanayak describes, we open the door to a more inclusive and dynamic understanding of language. Finally, the most efficient way of writing is not about rigid correction, but about generating a great impact and significant influence on the audience.
