- By Jim Evans
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Smart TalkSMART TALK by Dr. Molto Breve
IT IS NOT UNCOMMON: Efficient language is smarter language. Say it with me: Efficient language is smarter language.
What does this imply about academics who love superfluous double and triple negatives? Lest we get too censorious, let's remember that they often write for scholarly quarterlies. These unreadable publications encourage poor style, because obfuscation confuses rival scholars.
And it is common, indeed. Astute reader Jerry Davis of La Crosse, Wisconsin, sent a complaint about ostentatious multiple negatives to the Institute for the Linguistically Impaired. Thanks to Mr. Davis, we've added this impairment to our treatment list for college level staff.
The same ivy-choked brains may say, "I'm not saying you're not noncommittal." That's the pot calling the kettle nonwhite.
All good thinking can be expressed in clear, simple English. If one truly knows his or her subject, he or she should be able to make a reasonably bright twelve-year-old understand it. Anything.
Say it again: Efficient language is smarter language.
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