Plenty of people are less acquainted with linguistics; surely, then, it’s a good idea to avoid saying things that are actually false (especially when they would reinforce a common misconception that experts in the subject are constantly trying to stamp out).
Um… I am very well aware of the concept of linguistics, thank you. I was speaking rhetorically.
(EDIT: Though Steven Pinker is still a fine suggestion.)
Be that as it may, a wise person once wrote:
SPEAK THE TRUTH, EVEN IF YOUR VOICE TREMBLES.
Plenty of people are less acquainted with linguistics; surely, then, it’s a good idea to avoid saying things that are actually false (especially when they would reinforce a common misconception that experts in the subject are constantly trying to stamp out).