Let’s Speak English

Carla Edeliza M. Varias
September 2, 2004




PLM will be implementing an English-only policy in their campus. There will be “English Only Zones” wherein students are allowed to use only the English Language. On the other hand, there will be “Free Zones” wherein students can speak whatever language they wish. This policy reminds me of my grade school days. When I was in grade 3, whenever we were caught speaking in Filipino, we were asked to pay a peso per Filipino word (even when we’re outside the classroom). They say children will speak better English if they are mandated not to speak in any language. I remember some people (including myself) who refused to communicate because of fear of being penalized. I speak and write English relatively well (I still commit grammatical errors especially with the use of prepositions). But I don’t think that kind of policy contributed to that skill.

Theory and application boost a person’s skills. While teaching the English language, it is proper to practice the students in using the language. Through written and oral exercises, a child’s skills in the English language could be enhanced. In the classroom students are expected to speak and present papers in English. Moreover, an English teacher is expected to teach his/her students the theory and rules of the English Language using English as the medium of instruction. He/she is also expected to encourage his/her students to watch foreign television show and films, to read English literature, and to communicate with her family or friends using the language. The word is to encourage and not to mandate.

We see kids who speak very good English. I remember when I was watching Princess Diaries 2, my mother reacted if the kid understood the movie. Oh well, she really comprehended the movie. The kid speaks straight English. My mom said that the kid speaks English better than her. A child who was reared by English-speaking parents can easily express him/herself in English. Environment plays an important role in enhancing a person’s ability in speaking in English. That kid in the movie house has a room for training aside from the school.

Ceubanos speak English better than they speak Tagalog (Mas alien pa sa kanila ang tagalog kaysa Ingles). They are used to communicating in English with non-Cebuanos. Was there ever a mandate in Cebu that coerced them to speak in English? I think there was none. They speak in English to be certain that the non-Cebuanos will understand them. Practice and environment are the causes.

For college students who have gone through more than 15 English courses, coercing them to speak English in their campus will probably become a dud. They have learned the theory and have practiced English inside their classrooms. They have submitted enormous papers written in English. They have performed a number of presentations using English as their medium. They know English. The only question is if they know the proper English.

Making a place an English-speaking environment could never be effective through a mandate. Each one of us could motivate ourselves in learning how to comfortably speak in English. Hence, we have contributed to an English-Speaking environment.

Yet it is true that the use of English has been deteriorating these days, mandating the students to speak English is a different issue. In the college level, it is the student’s responsibility how he/she could feel comfortable in speaking the English language. A mandate will never enhance their skills but would rather shut them out. If they will be forced to speak in English, they might be constrained not to speak at all. That’s even more dangerous.


Story Behind the Article:

I was sneaking from the Libre Newspaper of my co-MRT passenger. I got quite intrigued of this article. I didn’t get a copy of the Newspaper. I had to read the article on-line instead.