English with a frown

I was amused by a children’s educational TV show called ‘English with Aliens’ last evening. From what I understood, the concept of the aliens was developed in order to explain simple things in English to people who are clueless about the language. However, the grammar was messed up, inappropriate words and slang were being used and the acting in itself looked absolutely artificial. Some of the many errors include obvious mistakes such as “Can I have one?”, “A alien”, “the camping is ready” etc. etc.

Speaking is perhaps the most basic form of verbal communication. I don’t mean to be a critic, nor do I claim to be extraordinarily excellent with my language skills but this thing really bugged me. After all it was a program aiming to teach little children English. In the least, am I not to expect properly structured sentences with a natural accent for God’s sake? Hearing grammar mistakes in TV and radio news, spelling mistakes in newspapers, hearing people make speeches inaccurately and even tuition classes that employ semi-qualified teachers may be excused. But this? I mean teaching English on TV is great! But shouldn’t they be extra careful what they say and how they say it?

I pity the children of today. Grammar is not taught in the way that it should be and you are never really able to master English unless you specialise by doing literature or something. But then do we let the rest remain as just an unfortunate generation or do we seriously need to do something about it?
Would appreciate some constructive comments on this one!