Speakers or writers of a non-native language ought never to feel guilty/ashamed/embarrassed or in any other way negative about their command of that 'other' language.
One very sound reason for stating that is the fact that most native language speakers/writers do so very poorly. Even those for whom writing or public speaking is a 'stock in trade', commonly make even basic errors.
Media presenters, advertisers, television ticker writers, commercial secretaries and customer service officers, as well as many executives, senior position holders, politicians, police officers and even lawyers, judges and other professionals show little understanding of appropriate syntax, varied vocabulary, appropriate punctuation or even how to spell.
The reality is, that at least in the case of native English language speakers, the standard is low and becomes worse with every passing year.
There are many reasons for the poor use of language. Parental and peer group language use is a definite influence as are local and regional variants, colloquialism and slang.
Language teaching and learning is, as is most schooling, of extremely variable quality. Many teachers have never learned how to teach effectively and nor do many speak or write the language very well. Their students thus have little chance of sound learning.
Reading is an often ignored or unrealised element of learning to write well. Wide and varied reading exposes the reader to wide and varied language use, extends vocabulary, models grammatical construction, punctuation, nuance, synonyms, antonyms and other such elements of a complex and nuanced language such as English.
I am continually in admiration of the ability of the excellent expression of non-native English speakers and writers and at their humility, for so many do not consider themselves very capable in that regard,
I am a native English speaker and have both interest and affection for the language. I enjoy and appreciate experiencing it when it is used well. I am often frustrated, even irritated, by the appallingly low level of language use by many native English speakers and writers.
Sadly, it is not easy to combat the ignorance, laziness or incompetence of those who ought to be able to use the language well but can't or choose not to do so.
If one raises issues regarding punctuation, syntax or such, it is probably that someone or many will let one know that they consider it unimportant and/or that it doesn't matter and that one is a misguided language 'purist' or even worse: a 'language Nazi'. This is, of course, both ignorant and abusive.
It is important to write and speak well because communication is fraught with difficulties at the best of times. An initial idea or thought originates in one brain, then is translated by that brain into language, then spoken or written and transmitted, then received, then interpreted, and finally in some way understood by the brain to which it was communicated, usually prompting either an action or a response which, depending on what that brain has understood, may be appropriate or not. The chances of the former are low because throughout that process there are so many chances of change of flaws, omissions or additions which alter the meaning.
The reality, too, is that when a response is made, a similar process ensues and this creates yet another opportunity for misunderstanding. When considers even a relatively simple exchange, (communication), between two parties, it is easily seen that clear and accurate meaning can be very difficult to achieve and the chance of it being so will reduce as the conversation or exchange goes on.
So, in my view, it behoves all of us to do the best we can to learn to use language correctly and well. Only by accurate comprehension throughout the communication process can we expect to really understand one another. Without clear understanding, problems and conflicts are likely to occur. Even a superficial consideration of the state of the World and failure of understanding of human beings provides ample evidence of this.
Native English language speakers are fortunate because English has become akin to 'the' World language. The down side of that is the laziness of native English speakers and the lack of interest of many in either improving their own language use or in learning another.
To me, all non-native English speakers/writers are to be commended for their efforts to learn what is an extremely complex and often bewildering language. Given that so many native speakers of English have such a poor command of it, we certainly have no justification for criticising non-native English speakers/writers when they stumble or make a mistake.
Take care. Stay safe. ☮️
