The world needs more Casey Lartigues

By Adam Borowski

When I was reading the news about North Korea three years ago, I stumbled across an organization most of you are familiar with ― Freedom Speakers International, formerly known as Teach North Korean Refugees. I thought it would be a good idea to send my B.A. thesis to the FSI. The thesis centered on teaching vocabulary to advanced students of English, so it seemed like a good idea to share my nuggets of wisdom with the FSI. Little did I know that the man on the other side was Casey Lartigue.

Some time later, he suggested that I write an article for the Korea Times. I'd never heard of the Korea Times before but I thought I'd give it a shot. That's how my article-writing adventure started. Casey once said, “I made a suggestion but you walked through the door.'' While it's true I made a great effort to write some 50 articles, I wouldn't have started writing if Lartigue hadn't made me aware of the Korea Times in the first place. My cynicism just couldn't understand it, “Why would a total stranger open the proverbial door for me?'' But then, when I saw my first article, my cynicism gave way to joy.

A few days later, I got a first comment. It was nice to know I'd made someone think. It turned out that someone was a highly educated Korean woman. We had an elaborate exchange of views about sociolinguistics. I even got a flattering e-mail from a Korean student who wished to write like me one day. Many Americans continue to share their views with me. Unsurprisingly, not every message I get is courteous. I have no problem with that. As a Pole, I am used to direct communication as long as there are no caustic comments aimed at me personally.

I'm an experienced global traveler who interacts with people from all walks of life. Well, given the current crisis, I should probably write: “I was.'' Be that as it may, I'm a keen observer of the human condition which makes me a good judge of character. Based on the e-mail exchanges and video chats, it's clear to me Casey is an excellent communicator who talks to intellectuals and simple-minded people with the same ease. Casey helps me navigate the cultural landscape I find both fascinating and frustrating.

When I fly from Warsaw to Seoul, I'm certainly going to remember about Casey and the FSI. I hope to find a way to contribute to the FSI. There's no nobler cause than helping North Korean refugees live better lives. English fluency does just that ― it helps North Korean refugees live better lives by giving them access to the world, offering an alternative to terror and brainwashing. As a linguist, I'd even suggest changing the “English language teaching'' to “freedom language teaching.'' Some of you are going to scoff at the suggestion. But words matter. It's fair to say the English language represents freedom to North Korean refugees.

I rest my case. The world needs more Casey Lartigues.

Adam Borowski (adam.borowski1985@gmail.com) is a technical Polish-English translator and an international relations enthusiast. He is the author of an alternate reality novel titled: ''Planetary Entrapment Syndrome. Escaping Hazmat Demons.''