Shakespearean Em Dashes Spark Discussion on Punctuation, According to Kobi Omenaka

In a recent LinkedIn post, Kobi Omenaka discusses the proper use of em dashes, drawing an unlikely parallel to William Shakespeare’s works to make a point about grammatical conventions. The discussion, which began in a WhatsApp group, highlighted a debate on whether em dashes should be used at all.

Omenaka shared an anecdote from the group conversation, illustrating a humorous yet effective argument for the em dash’s legitimacy:

“If ‘Billy Shakes’ uses them, we’re good.”

This observation, made by a group member whose third language is English, suggests that even historical literary giants can serve as unexpected authorities on modern punctuation, according to Omenaka’s retelling.

The Debate on Em Dash Usage

Kobi Omenaka uses this anecdote to pivot into a broader discussion about punctuation and its perceived necessity in professional communication. The initial debate in the WhatsApp group centered on the very existence and utility of the em dash. Omenaka frames the situation as a moment of realization, where a non-native English speaker’s reliance on Shakespeare’s usage provided a compelling, albeit informal, justification.

As Omenaka notes, the simplicity of the argument, “Fair enough…”, underscores how sometimes the most persuasive points come from unexpected sources or draw upon established authority, even when that authority is centuries old and its original context may differ from modern usage.

Navigating Punctuation and Technology

Beyond the core debate, Omenaka’s post also touches upon the practical challenges of using specific punctuation marks in the digital age. This is evident in a postscript where Omenaka humorously laments the difficulty of typing an em dash on a Mac keyboard.

“does anyone know how to find an Em dash on a Mac Keyboard??? I legit have to Google it each time then copy and paste it. It’s tedious 🥴”

This personal struggle highlights a common friction point for many users who encounter specialized characters. The need to search for and copy-paste such symbols, as Omenaka points out, can be a significant impediment to fluid writing and editing, even for those who understand the grammatical importance of the mark.

AI and Learning New Skills

In a separate postscript, Omenaka also briefly mentions their ongoing exploration of Artificial Intelligence tools. This addition suggests a forward-looking perspective, contrasting the historical context of punctuation with the cutting edge of technology.

Omenaka invites readers to join their newsletter to learn about their findings on using AI effectively, indicating a commitment to continuous learning and sharing knowledge across various domains, from classic literature’s punctuation to modern technological advancements.