The Arrogant One
- 2005-03-22
I've been getting dizzier and dizzier from your clash of opinions on this issue, gentlemen. I trust you won't mind too awfully if I stick what's left of my two cents (thanks to George Bush) into this argument.
During my time as an ESL instructor, I have always attempted to emphasize that English is, indeed, the #1 universal tongue which, in the next 40-50 years, might very well be replaced by Chinese. As it has been so wisely stated, practically any speaker of any second language is likely to speak that tongue with an accent--that is, unless he/she has spent many years as a resident of the land(s) where that language is spoken exclusively. On the other hand, here in the USA we have many foreigners who, after having lived here for "ages," can barely complete one sentence in English, much less legibly sign their names on a bank check. My best friend's grandfather was one such individual who, as an early-20th century immigrant, was able to live (in Philadelphia), wed, rear 4 children, thrive in business, and die peacefully speaking mainly Yiddish and only a handful of words in English! Of course, that was then, while one would presume that life today presents its own set of stringencies. Yet, in exploring the city of Los Angles, I've noted the traditionally large number of Latinos and variety of Orientals who hold sundry positions and yet are not able to speak English any better than at the beginning level, albeit they can make themselves understood. My point is that we must start looking at language--any language as first a tool, secondly as something to perfect--depending, of course, on our individual needs. And, while a good 95% of foreigners--including teachers--will teach English with their accent, that does not make the results either incorrect or incommunicable.
In the final analysis, just take a short stroll on any street in Brooklyn, NY and listen to what goes on verbally. These people are White, Black, Oriental (striped and polka-dot!) ... it doesn't matter. They are Americans all--contributing members of the persona of this great country.
With love,
The Arrogant One
writpetition
- 2005-03-20
> It depends on the reason the person wants to learn English. If they
> want to study in London or Washington, perhaps it is better to speak
> like a native.
> Most people when learning a language want to learn to speak it like a
> native.
> For example, most people who learn Japanese will want to speak like a
> Japanese person(i.e. a native). I know I wouldn't use it to speak to
> Canadians or Germans, I would use Japanese to speak with Japanese
> people, so it is best that I learn to speak like a native. 
> Since English has unfortunately become the international language,
> some people don't really care about speaking like a native, just as
> long a they can speak it. (I guess some people prefer quantity over
> quality.)
This guy here's amazing! He teaches English, or at least makes a pretence of doing so, to nonnatives and he thinks Enlish becoming an international language is 'unfortunate'.
Gawd! I hope your school, or wherever and whoever you're teaching, sees this post! Why would the Chinese or nationals of other countries want to study English in the first place if it was not 'unfortunately' an international language? Do you think they want to learn English simply because they want a mate from the Big 5?
Georgie, you really need to see a shrink!
> Again, my point was about learning any language, not exclusively
> English.