“What is Style?” Part 2
In my first attempt to describe style, I mentioned that “style is something uniquely designed and distinctly interpreted.” I still stand by this statement, but I now know style entails much more. It has a long history stemming back to ancient philosophers who argued about different forms of communication. Technologies for communication have come and gone, but the same arguments always seem to live on: what tools should be used to express style, and what style ought to pertain. While an individual’s approach to style may vary, some things are and always have been consistently important to good style. These things are the basics of communication. Because what is style, if not a way to make communication better. Truly knowing how to use language and grammar in a clear and coherent way, is at the basis of being able to create good style.
I am not saying style is devoid of self expression or creativity, or if one uses perfect grammar they will have great style, but style is made more of ancient ideas that have been passed down. While the aspects of language and grammar may change and become unimportant or even wrong to future generations, as they have before, the fact remains that language and grammar will still be important to understanding effective communication. Although the rules of good grammar are essential to understand before good style can be completely understood, it is not always a vital part of good style. When the aspects of style are mastered, an individual can break rules while retaining a clear and coherent message as well as more effectively express a selfness that is often unique to a creator – although formed from ancient thought.
