Appeal to English Learners and Teachers
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This past week's horrific terrorist attack on the USA has been on everyone's mind over this past week. I must admit that I find it difficult to concentrate on my work during this difficult time. As teachers and learners of English as a second or foreign language, we represent an international population. We are learning or teaching English in order to communicate better in our global village. I'd like to make an exception to the usual type of feature on this site, and ask you all to do everything you can to use your English skills to improve communication between the various nations during this critical moment in history.
There is no excuse for such a cowardly act as the attack on New York City and Washington D.C.. However, racial intolerance and hysteria based on anger will not bring peace to our troubled world. We especially need understanding between the various peoples and nations of this Earth. Teachers and students of English have learned to speak a common language, and in doing so they have also acquired a degree of cross-cultural understanding that is essential in these difficult times. You all are fine examples of our ability to understand other cultures and communicate.
Speaking English does not necessarily mean that a student accepts all of the cultural values of the USA or Britain (or Canada, Australia, New Zealand). In fact, English is spoken by many people who strongly disagree with many of the cultural mores of these societies. However, the ability to speak a second language, and a second language that is spoken throughout the world, does give people the ability to use their deeper understanding of foreign societies to improve communication between peoples.
Please use your English to promote understanding among all the nations of our planet.
Thank you.
Kenneth Beare
About's Guide to English as a Second Language
