by: MEGS S. LUNN
Taking Pride
MEDIA
The media has played a major role in the inability of many Filipinos to speak English well. TV programs these days are all in Taglish. Even the news is no exception.
What do we do? How do we stop the spread of “Here na me, where na you?” and “Yes, op kors, dats rayt”
It also does not help that when people text or sms, the language and the writing is inappropriate.Thus their inabilities to learn correct spelling, impacting their ability to communicate clearly and correctly - whether it be in English or Tagalog.
The key lies in recognizing that proficiency in communicating in English is indispensable.
Speaking in English is not unpatriotic.
We are not less Filipinos for mastering another language.
We are only making good use of our gift for languages to forge ahead.
English should be the medium of instruction in schools.
Spoken in the presence of trained teachers, children will learn to speak fluently and clearly, because when we master one language, whether it be English or Filipino, we prepare our youth to challenge themselves to stretch and excel in their language skills, and to set the foundation from an educational perspective.
There should be more English television programs such as documentaries and talk shows on commercial/terrestrial television with at least one dedicated English newscast.
Such shows these days are all on cable channels and are beyond the reach of the less privileged.
It is also equally important that we Filipinos read English text more often. Doing so further improves our grasp of the language.
Nowadays fewer Filipinos read and enrich their minds through reading books, editorials or websites.
Because of this, poor reading skills translate into poor writing and poor diction.
Sometimes the answer lies in reading between the lines, as well as from cover to cover.(more on next week)/TE
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