I do agree that the English language as we use it has gone downhill fast lately. I think that we have to accept that it is an evolution of our language which has never stayed the same and will continue to change. It has gotten more complex since the inception of speech, seemed to peak sometime around the 1500-1800′s (debatable) then has continued into a simpler form.
It is sad really that in this information age we have the ability to learn so much more and really expand our knowledge and vocabulary yet it seems like we are learning less. We are learning a little about a variety of things instead of a lot about one subject. Maybe this abbreviated style of knowledge is translating into the way we communicate.

I do believe language as an art form is dying. I do not see the next Shakespeare any time in our future, or maybe that art form has evolved into music. Lately I have been amused by hip hop/rap artists. Their plays on words and thoughtful language structure are the closest thing I’ve seen to modern day Shakespeares. …but I digress.