From another forum

Stephen Jones · Post by **Stephen Jones** » Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:02 pm

This quote came up on another forum I frequent (a software development forum surprisingly enough). The matter being discussed was whether one used two spaces or one after a period. The quote was:

Part of the problem is that where other languages have an academy, English has an argument.

Ed · Post by Ed » Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:22 pm

I don't know if this is still a valid answer, but here goes:

In my typing class in high school (a loooong time ago), I was taught to use two spaces after a period. Ever since, I have used two spaces.

Ed · Post by Ed » Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:31 pm

(cont.)

I'm familiar with the "Real Academia" (my second language is Spanish) and I think it does not really settle arguments. It is not so prescriptive nowadays (its latest grammar was written by several well known modern linguists), but still, what it has always done is decide what is "correct".

Stephen Jones · Post by **Stephen Jones** » Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:05 pm

Actually, I only mentioned the topic of spaces as the context for the comment. If you do want to see a fairly thorough discussion of the topic here's the link:
http://discuss.fogcreek.com/joelonsoftw ... Replies=74

I have considerable respect for the work of the Spanish Academy; the fact that it is composed mainly of writers and poets, with a sprinkling of linguists, assures that it gives a fairly up-to-date description of the language, and that prescription doesn't stray too far from description. With English I suspect we would get a Spanish style Academy if the Brits ran it, and a French style one of run by Americans.

lolwhites · Post by **lolwhites** » Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:32 pm

Does it really matter how many spaces you put after a full stop? Punctuation conventions have changed so much over time anyway.
Incidentally, if you're interested in puntuation, I strongly recommend you read Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynn Truss; it's been a surprise bestseller this side of the pond.