By Gulliver Dabalus Alumbro Jr
A basic rule is the rule that is always sought after even by CEOs, generals, and presidents in solving problems, trials, tribulations and even in damage control situations.
Most times, when a problem becomes too much too bear, a basic rule is still the best way to find a solution. The issue at hand is how to maximize Koreans students’ English ability ― from pupils in kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools to university students, fresh graduates seeking work, leisure learners, businessmen and even retirees. To apply a basic rule, clarity of thought is needed as is an open heart and mind.
The four steps in language learning are listening, speaking, reading and writing. This applies to all learners of any language in all countries and cultures in the four corners of the world.
Language and culture always go hand in hand. One cannot wish to learn a language without having to learn the culture and vice versa. They are soul mates intertwined and can never be separated by either time or space. To learn a language, one needs to embrace a culture. To learn a language, one needs to hug it tightly.
I will delve and dig into speculation, hearsay and personal opinions. In a court of law, these are inadmissible as facts are what decisions are based on. I believe that for a whole community or a nation to function, one needs to cast aside personal thoughts, grudges and discrimination. Tackling a problem requires understanding. In understanding, we must cast aside differences. This is the way of globalization.
There are several Korean CNN/BBC anchors and I must say their pronunciation is excellent, admirable and inspirational. One might say that they have grown up abroad and acquired such pronunciation. It is also reasonable to deduce that they studied abroad. There are still many more speakers who haven’t left the country and yet still have the flair for the pronunciation of a native speaker.
This is evidenced by Lee Bo-young, who can be compared to a CNN or BBC reporter. Even though she has never gone abroad to study English, she can speak like a native speaker. Hence, it can be assumed that acquiring an American accent ― what most parents expect of their children ― can and is possible without having to leave Korea.
Nowadays, learners of English have probably surpassed the number of native speakers. At least 20 percent of the world practices English in their daily transactions. English is scattered worldwide, which makes it a language to be reckoned with.
The growth of the English language can be attributed to its open-mindedness, wherein it accepts and welcomes words to blend, to merge or as a whole ― be included in its list or dictionary. Globalization is a blending, merging and acceptance of language and culture, while maintaining each nation’s unique diversity and special skills. Globalization can only be acquired by the basic and classic human tenets ― trust, honor and respect.
Hence, it can be concluded that Globalization and English, in their entirety, require exposure to language and culture ― to be understood, hand-held, embraced and accepted. This does not happen over night. Everything takes time; language learning takes time. Coals eventually become diamonds if the right conditions are met. Sometimes, we just have to go to the basic rules, to understand the world and life itself.
The learning English is not just taking in a language bonded with culture, it is also a lifestyle. A lifestyle that, if the right conditions are applied and met ― devoid of any negative sentiments, grudges or discrimination ― will and can produce a new generation of fluent English speakers in this country. A new generation of diamonds ― citizens speaking English effortlessly, regardless of age, while maintaining the nation’s own diverse and special culture, communicating with the world as a whole.