Random Thoughts on English - Speaking

English is a tool for communication – not a quality that divides social classes. You must refrain from thinking of it as only for the elite. Rather, think of it as a tool to narrow that divide. You are reading this now because you have a desire to make your life better. And a requirement for the path that you chose is English proficiency.

English is not a novelty. It doesn’t make you a freak (Even though those who can’t speak it insist that it does). Just because you can speak English doesn’t mean you have grown a third nipple. On more than one occasion, I had had a young college girl giggle, cover her face and run away from me when I said “hi”. Imagine if I were a 6 foot 200 lb 45-year-old blue-eyed white American male. I would have 18 elementary school children calling out after me “hey joe!” and the rest of the campus scampering away.

Jose Rizal, who spoke the famous words, “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa mabahong isda” actually spoke several languages including English and even married an American. Yet, he made his way to becoming the National hero. Being fluent in another language, especially English doesn’t necessarily equate to the abandonment of one's national pride. Again it is a tool, even, to compete globally and promote the beautiful cultures of the Philippines.

English is a part of culture. An understanding of American or British culture can be very helpful in expressing yourself in English. It will also be easier to understand a native speaker.

The Philippines has an advantage in the availability of Mass Media presented in Standard, British or American English. With the widespread availability of cable TV, channels like CNN, Discovery Channel, and HBO are the perfect resources easily within reach. Simon Cowell of American Idol and his harsh criticisms may raze Filipinos sensitive skin like molten magma on tissue paper but he is a goldmine for analogies and expressions:

“If I’m being honest…”

“I don’t mean to be rude…”

“Don’t take it the wrong way…”

“Having said that…”

“On the flipside…”

My favorite – “You’re like a drunken man on the loose.”

Now is not the time to argue about whether Filipino English on a national level is good enough or deteriorating.

Now is not the time to argue about what the National Language should be. If you want to pass the English Proficiency test, you must satisfy the requirements of the test giving body and even try to please them enough to pass you.

Focus on your weak points but make sure that your strong points are secure.

Try to learn a new word or expression every day. I was watching Mythbusters this morning on the Discovery Channel and while they were conducting an experiment, the “plausible” was mentioned about 9 times in 20 minutes. Without consulting the dictionary, I learned a new word out of context. The best part is, that I was able to experience the sights and sounds of the entire situation where the word “plausible” was perfectly appropriate.

Wit and sarcasm are part of American everyday life. No matter how good you are in textbook English, if you don’t know how to respond to, say, a witty UCLA undergrad, you find yourself speechless. Even a docile Canadian would easily look for a more interesting person to talk to.

Just as a singer knows he is RnB or Rock, speakers also have their own distinct manner of speaking – your own trademark if you may.

· For example, there is this pageant host who started his sentences with “At this juncture…” and I counted 23 times in a 1-hour show, sometimes twice in a sentence – So at this juncture, we will have a final look at the five finalists and at this juncture the reigning queen shall have her final walk. J hahaha.

· If it makes your thoughts flow more fluidly, it is ok to use “basically” or “you know…” with your sentences as long as you don’t use it to the point of annoyance.