DEAR AMY:

 

I have nothing to ask you because I live in a totally different culture. I just want to let you know that I have found your columns very useful in learning the English language.

 

I have been reading your columns for almost the last five years and I have compiled a great deal of vocabulary.

 

-- A Reader in Pakistan

 

DEAR READER:

 

I frequently hear from teachers that they use my column as a teaching tool in ESL (English as a second language) classes. In addition to the language skills you can acquire, advice columns are a great way to learn about our culture.

 

You may find that though we have many cultural differences, the basic issues raised in this space also expose some commonalities.

 

(From the Washington Post of 09 July 2011.)

 

~~~~~

 

Dear Amy Dickinson and Carolyn Hax,

 

Some time ago, I wrote to one of you, observing that the word 'had' does not belong in front of past tense verbs. The reply to me was that it is not your job to correct readers who write in. Now one of you is basking in the praise of an ESL learner in Pakistan and noting that you frequently hear from teachers. I am a reader and a fan of you both and I'm sorry I don't remember to which one I wrote, but I don't see how either of you can argue for the inclusion of bad grammar in your columns. It is your responsibility to send it out right, even if it comes in wrong, as it often does. To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/