“It Don’t Matter, Anyhow”

Abstract

A widespread language ideology allows the “real people” to marginalize members of the lower classes. The assumption is that “bad English” leads to “bad thinking.” Even worse, the lower classes put the future of English at risk. If their bad grammar spreads to the general population, English may lose its precision and usefulness. A number of Shavian critics subscribe to this ideology. I will be arguing—on the contrary—that some of our common-sense ideas about language don’t stand up to close scrutiny, beginning with the fact that Eliza—despite her lack of formal education—uses surprisingly sophisticated grammar. Far from being an outdated play, Pygmalion offers useful ideas for educators who want to help today’s Elizas realize their full potential.