Ellen Jovin, a writer, educator, and self-proclaimed language enthusiast based in New York, has been actively engaging with language aficionados worldwide through online language groups for several years. However, in 2018, she felt the urge to move away from her computer screen and take her passion for grammar to the streets.
Setting up her “Grammar Table” in public parks, street corners, and even on the subway, Jovin invites passersby to engage in discussions about grammar. Accompanied by stacks of dictionaries, she has traveled across all 50 states with her husband, Brandt Johnson, who filmed the interactions for a documentary titled “Rebel With A Clause,” mirroring the title of her book.
Jovin views grammar discussions as a means to connect people through language. She emphasizes that grammar serves as the adhesive that unites us, fostering human connections and a sense of community during conversations. Rather than acting as a grammar enforcer, Jovin focuses on answering visitors’ grammar-related questions, acknowledging the flexibility of language rules in formal and informal settings.
Despite the diverse language variations globally, Jovin celebrates the richness of language diversity and aims to spark excitement in people to explore linguistic nuances. At the Grammar Table, discussions range from the nuances of punctuation, such as the contentious Oxford comma, to broader language topics that attract individuals from various backgrounds, transcending linguistic boundaries.
Johnson, Jovin’s husband, highlights the profound impact of the Grammar Table interactions, emphasizing the shared humanity and connections formed through these conversations, especially in a society often perceived as divided. Through the documentary “Rebel With A Clause,” Johnson seeks to capture the essence of these interactions and share them with a broader audience, showcasing the power of language to bridge perceived divides and foster unity.
