Is the native speaker the better teacher?

Dear Editor,
I'd like to share my opinion about whether the native speaker is the better
teacher.

Sincerely,
Amy Tsai
___________________________________________

Name: Yi-Hua Tsai

__________________________________________

Is the native speaker the better teacher?

Every time parents want their children to learn English, they always ask
the cram schools the same question: Is the English teacher a native
speaker? It¡¦s almost the most important thing the parents consider about.
If the clerks say no, some parents may just turn around and go away.
Actually, there¡¦re some reasons. One of the main reasons is that parents
may compare the English pronunciation of friends¡¦ children. And no matter
the intonation or fluency, the student of native speaker often present
better than the student of non-native speaker. However, there are more
factors the parents should give attention to. Does the English teacher have
ability to control a class of students? If the teacher cannot make the
student listen to him or her, there is no classroom rule in class. Does
teacher have the skills to teach students? If the teacher doesn¡¦t know
have the skills to teacher English grammar, learning English becomes a
boring activity to the students. Is the teacher patient, responsible, and
stable? If the teacher¡¥s individuality without those qualities, he cannot
be regard as a good teacher. There are lots of factors more important than
that the English teacher is a native speaker or not. Parents should not
only focus on the native speak or not issue. Moreover, leaning English is
a long way for the students.

_________________________________________________________________
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[language-and-culture] about Amy's letter to editor

Dear Aiden,
I am Amy Tsai. I've sent the letter to China Post twice and sent to you
with the mail adress-researchwriting.languageandculture@blogger.com before
10p.m.. But my classmates said they didn't receive my letter. I don't know
the reason. Therefore, I sent it to you again. I am sorry about it.

Is the native speaker the better teacher?

Every time parents want their children to learn English, they always ask
the cram schools the same question: Is the English teacher a native
speaker? It's almost the most important thing the parents consider about.
If the clerks say no, some parents may just turn around and go away.
Actually, there're some reasons. One of the main reasons is that parents
may compare the English pronunciation of friends' children. And no matter
the intonation or fluency, the student of native speaker often present
better than the student of non-native speaker. However, there are more
factors the parents should give attention to. Does the English teacher have
ability to control a class of students? If the teacher cannot make the
student listen to him or her, there is no classroom rule in class. Does
teacher have the skills to teach students? If the teacher doesn't know
have the skills to teacher English grammar, learning English becomes a
boring activity to the students. Is the teacher patient, responsible, and
stable? If the teacher's individuality without those qualities, he cannot
be regard as a good teacher. There are lots of factors more important than
that the English teacher is a native speaker or not. Parents should not
only focus on the native speak or not issue. Moreover, leaning English is
a long way for the students.

_________________________________________________________________
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Good to see Cabinet finalizes draft law on nat'l language development

by Han Chen-Ying, Kaohsiung City

    Taiwan is a beautiful place with plenty natural sceneries and various ethnics. It will be really a pity if we lose the diversity of the aboriginal culture. Therefore, the finalization of the draft law on national language development is really a good news for the aboriginal culture in Taiwan. I remember I was taught there were 9 aboriginal ethnics in Taiwan when I was in elementary school; now we have over 13. As a result, I know our country does put some efforts on preserving the aboriginal culture, or there wouldn't be so many aboriginal ethnics now. Although language for someone is just a media for communication, the preservation of the aboriginal languages or other languages is actually like protecting a culture. Without a language, a culture of that ethnic will not be complete. I'm glad to see our government finally does something meaningful. Also, not only the government, the minorities strive for it a lot. I see more and more singers singing Taiwanese songs; in many activities held by the government in Kaohsiung, I see Taiwanese and Hakka rappers performing on stage. I can see the whole nation focusing its ethnic culture more and more!    

Letter to Editor

Dear Editor:

  I would like to give comment on the news " Cabinet

finalizes draft law on nat'l language development" which

posted on May,17. 

 

sincerely,

Connie

 

Name: Yi-Ting,Dong Connie

Address: No. 10, Nan-Ko Rd, Chiao-Tao Village, Kaohsiung County.

Mobilephone: 0912982218

 

Taiwanese parents' attitude toward the national languages development draft law and nativist education

 

The nativist education has been promoted and implemented for years. In order to protect the equality of languages, the government had approved the national languages development draft law. The policy and law benefit Taiwanese resident because the younger generations will be able to understand the natural history, geography, dialects, arts and local diverse culture of their homeland, respect the different culture and ethnic groups, and build their personal identity.

 

The nativist education, however, is not supported by parents due to their concern of limited usefulness of native languages. They might consider the language policy in Taiwan is just a political trick. Once the language policy contains political interest, there is no meaning to implement it. Moreover, based on the pressure of test-oriented and competitiveness concern, parents prefer English or other "useful" language education rather than nativist education. As a result, the national languages development draft law may be just an addition pressure for their children.

 

Native language is the language spoken in the area we live, especially in daily life. Language itself includes the local and ethnic cultures, customs, spirits and personal identity. Those are the core values of a language which deserve to be protected and preserved. Parents are responsible with constructing the correct concept of language and recognition of native languages, or their children will lose in the struggle of who they are.

 

Parents' attitudes toward language development and nativist education are important because family is an effective language environment as well. The government should express the essence of language preservation to have the citizens understand why instead of enforcing nativist education. With this in mind, I believe the goal of language development and nativist education could be achieved.

___________________________________________________
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to the editor

Jess Liou
500-5 Heti Rd.,
Sanming District,
Kaohsiung City
Taiwan (R.O.C)
Zip Code: 807
Phone number: 0919888074

Reply for the topic of Cabinet finalizes draft law on nat'l language
development

Indeed in recent years the language policy in Taiwan is especially
focused on the native languages and it do encourage people to learn their
own mother tongue. Acts such as supports of some famous singers or
politicians shows that DDP government does try their best to fulfill this
task before 2008.
However, language policy may help the misunderstanding occurred among
people when DDP uses it as a weapon to provoke the cultural contrariety.
Furthermore, to win more support from people especially for the
presidential election in 2008, DDP has tactically provoked angers of
Hokien, Hakka and aboriginal people to Chinese while they were promoting
the language policy, such as appropriate speeches for the 228 event,
removing the statue of Jiang and the issue of re-name the national company.
All these t events that are related with language policy will just
overgrow the social harmony.
Moreover, weakness still exists in the process of language policy in
school. School and parents acclaim that language policy disturbs the
teaching order. For parents, they complain that it will just give more
burdens for their children as they are in a furious studying environment in
Taiwan. As the policy and the reaction of people can not match with each
other, government should find ways to solve it but make it even worse.

_________________________________________________________________
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Letter to the editor

To whom it may concern:
 
    I'd like to give opinion on the news "Fed up with identity game".
  
Lisa Hsu
Phone: 0912439469
Add: 15F,#231,Dajhong 1st Rd,
         Sangming District, Kaohsiung 807
         Taiwan, R.O.C.
 

        Exaggerating Identity Politics Endangers the Integration of Ethnic Groups

 

        Advocating clear identity for Taiwanese is a good deed but overplaying identity politics and creates the subsequent woes that haunt the citizens can be seen as shouting wolf which cause panic over the diverse ethnic groups in the Island.

        Near 70% of the population identify themselves as Taiwanese thus ethnicism is no longer a priority for citizens instead nation's global competitiveness, economy power, and political stability are more of the crucial concerns among Taiwanese.  However, Chen Shui-bian's administration neglects the preference of the citizen and kept detruding new menu. 

        Diverse ethnic groups in Taiwan, however, are not suitable for an Exaggerating ethnicism tactic playing by the DPP.  While promoting Taiwanese identity or rather say "Southern Fujianese" identity can be seen as playing down the position of other ethnic groups in Taiwan.  People are classified strictly by their own ethnicity as the result of over playing identity politics; therefore, it creates conflicts between ethnic groups.

        The ruling party DPP is acting like an old dog which can not play new tricks, endless identity upheavals since the political shift in 2000 up to now panic the society.  The DPP won the ruling position by its identity campaign and afterwards the concentration focuses on identity as if other pragmatic issue is out of concern.  Other than that, patriotism is judged by being a Taiwanese or being a Chinese descendent instead of the patriotic saga which a politician contributes.  Using the identity politics against its rivals gradually creates its own obstacles in wining the next presidential election because many are fed up with identity politics.

        As a whole, Taiwanese people are having their own, clear identity in their hearts. It need not be disturb by a newer exaggerating political tactics over such an issue.

 

---

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Letter to the Editr

Jess Liou
500-5 Heti Rd.,
Sanming District,
Kaohsiung City
Taiwan (R.O.C)
Zip Code: 807
Phone number: 0919888074

Reply for the letter of A New Language Equality Drawns in Taiwan

Indeed in recent years the language policy in Taiwan is especially
focused on the native languages and it do encourage people to learn their
own mother tongue. Acts such as supports of some famous singers or
politicians shows that DDP government does try their best to fulfill this
task before 2008.
However, language policy may help the misunderstanding occurred among
people when DDP uses it as a weapon to provoke the cultural contrariety.
Furthermore, to win more support from people especially for the
presidential election in 2008, DDP has tactically provoked angers of
Hokien, Hakka and aboriginal people to Chinese while they were promoting
the language policy, such as appropriate speeches for the 228 event,
removing the statue of Jiang and the issue of re-name the national company.
All these t events that are related with language policy will just
overgrow the social harmony.
Moreover, weakness still exists in the process of language policy in
school. School and parents acclaim that language policy disturbs the
teaching order. For parents, they complain that it will just give more
burdens for their children as they are in a furious studying environment in
Taiwan. As the policy and the reaction of people can not match with each
other, government should find ways to solve it but make it even worse.

_________________________________________________________________
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Reply for the letter of A New Language Equality Drawns in Taiwan

_________________________________________________________________
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Letter to the editor

Dear Editor, I would like to express my opinion about
the freedom of expressing the idea of Taiwan's
independence.

Name: Wendy Chen
Address:高雄市三民區延慶街137號10樓
Phone:0989634475

Do we have freedom of speech to express the idea of
Taiwan's independence?
Again, the announcement of Taiwan's independence of
President Chen upset the US officials. Again, the US
officials worried about whether the announcement would
influence the status quo in Taiwan Strait or not.
Certainly, another familiar consequence is that
Beijing asserted its anti-secession position.
This kind of news is really not "news" to most
residents in Taiwan; we all can predict what will
happen next. Actually, the idea of independence seems
to become a "taboo" within Taiwan's society. Except
some advocates of independence, most of us avoid
mentioning and expressing any comment related to the
issue of independence. From many cases and events, we
perceive that we are under the threat of Beijing and
pressure of Washington; therefore, we don't have
freedom to express the idea of independent, but have
freedom to express the idea of unification or
maintaining status quo.
In addition, we realize and acknowledge the fact that
Taiwan can not match mainland China. By degrees, the
atmosphere of being threaten and the feeling of
helpless oppress many Taiwanese's will of free
expression on the issue of independence. Even though
the advocates according to their free will bravely
propose the idea of independence in public; they are
treated as the trouble makers and not valued for the
aspect of freedom of speech.
If we are already deprived of free speech of any
determination, such as the idea of independence, I
doubt that we can determine Taiwan's future actually
according to our free will. Because of the reality of
survival, in fact, we are forced and bent to certain
orientation of Taiwan's future.

____________________________________________________________________________________
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Letter to the editor

Comment on "Freedom of the press is being taken for granted"

 

By Nicole Juan

0928998448

高雄市三民區鼎金後路420巷101號8樓

 

 

        News we are watching everyday, which are supposed to provide accurate and balanced information, no longer stay neutral.  Due to the freedom of the press that is protected by Taiwanese constitution, media is able to report what they want and what they discover.  As Taiwan has become the freest nation of the press in Asia, it should be a good thing.  Yet the media takes it for granted. 

I agree with local media is biased.  Every news channel has their favor in parties.  Therefore, when they are reporting the same news, we will have different aspect because different angles are used to protect their favorite party.  It is reasonable but when the media fabricate the news, it is another story.

Another interference that makes media not trust worthy is watching rate.  The press has to follow the favor of the audiences in order to attract them.  People love watching scandals and gossip, so it becomes a trend.  The more and dirtier news the journalists find, the better the watching rate is.  Gradually the freedom of the press is abused. 

Maintain balance report is definitely not easy yet it is a challenge.  I expect to see more true news.

---

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Letter to the editor

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Name: Lee Tsai Tien Address:6F-1 631# Bo-Ai 3rd Rd. Zuo Yin Zone Kaohsiung City.  Phone:0963117846  Dear Editor, I would like to expresson my opinion about Asian Beauty    

The crown of miss universe 2007 was placed on the 20 year old Riyo Mori from Japan. What is special about this second Japanese beauty ever won the title is that contrary to the traditional Asian idea of feminine beauty, Mori shines with her much tanned skin.

In most of Asian, women are obsessed with having white skin. Not only millions of beauty product sales are based on selling whitening products, you can also see girls walking on the street with giant masks that make them look like characters from the star wars. Or girls cover themselves so completed when they go out as if they have a third degree burn. As I ponder on the phenomena of Asian women dying to the white but white women dying to be tan, I find it is more about showing the status of life style more than anything. If a white woman can lie under the sun, sipping juices, and putting coconut oil on her so she can get the perfect tan everyone would envy about, that becomes the beauty standard white society purses. On the other hand, if an Asian woman doesn't have to go out to the field to work and can stay home to develop the traditional feminine traits, then she will have the white skin to show her privilege. So now we see the other side of the grass is always greener, people keep wanting what they do not have. But has it gone too far? As we see all the whitening beauty products fill the market and every open space, what is it really telling us? When using a white person to be the model for whitening beauty products, as in my opinion, is so manipulating. Is it saying that by using this whitening product you will be so white that even become a different race? Or is it simple encouraging people to buy more products to achieve this impossible task.  When having white skin becomes the only beauty standard in this society, people become even more narrow minded. They follow and obey blindly any vales society wants them to carry, instead of learning to accept all kind of beauty and possibility. Most important of all, they don't want to be themselves. Having only one standard for beauty is only a small example of how media controls people's mind in this society, as we see plenty more examples in fashion, politics, and so on. I think it is important to acknowledge this condition and learn to be an independent thinker.

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Letter to the editor

Dear editor,

 

I would like to express and common on the issure of "free speech in media"

 

 

Name: Annie Lin

Address:  高雄市左營區天祥二路111巷50號3樓

Phone #: 0932-005037

 

 

Free Speech in Media

 

        As time went by, the free speech in media is getting more and more open and liberal today without the strict regulation and suppression compared with the old day. From the media, we audiences receive a variety of news, messages from a good number of media --- no matter it is in the forms of newspaper, magazine, TV station, broadcasting station and so forth. However, it is seemingly obvious that almost every media take their standpoint and have a political prejudice or preference while reporting the news towards the mass. Although the respect and freedom of speech should be given to media, how to convey and inform correct and neutral news to the audiences is quite crucial as well since the readers or audiences deserve the right to receive what it is true in the messages we are given. Sometimes, it is quite disappointing to see the same circumstances got various distinct conclusion or consequences from different media; as a news-receiver, at times we can't help

wondering the authenticity and objectivity of the media since it certainly causes confusion and more doubt for the audiences. Thus, we expect true and no-biased news from the mass media while the media implements their freedom of speech properly.

 

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Letter to editors

Dear Editors,

Hi, I would like to give commends on " War over renamed CKS memorial
continues" on May 29th.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Constance, Yeh Fang-Chun
No. 12 Minde Village, Tashi, Taoyuan
0989474197

Taiwan's politics are very interesting, actually. Every time when
there is election coming up, "playing with name" or "Code war" this
kind of old trick will just pop up again and again. It is like using a
Taoist magic figure to cure disease, unreal, but very useful. This is why
our government, the DPP, keep doing the renaming from CKS International
Airport、China Post to CKS Memorial Hall, because it just works!
DPP try to use the ideology behind the action of renaming to enlarge
the opposing position between people, or I should say between
pro-independent or anti-independent on this island, in order to reduce its
responsibility to the people for making them wait years and years. When
politics had become cheap enough not to have any principles, moral standing
or prospective, Taiwan, actually are moving forward to "third world-lize"
, just like South Africa or Albania.
When will this game stop? Perhaps let's wait for the next ruling
party, maybe they will give us answer.

letter to editor

Dear Editor, i want to espression my opinion about Asian culture                       The crown of miss universe 2007 was placed on the 20 year old Riyo Mori from Japan. What is special about this second Japanese beauty ever won the title is that contrary to the traditional Asian idea of feminine beauty, Mori shines with her much tanned skin.

In most of Asian, women are obsessed with having white skin. Not only millions of beauty product sales are based on selling whitening products, you can also see girls walking on the street with giant masks that make them look like characters from the star wars. Or girls cover themselves so completed when they go out as if they have a third degree burn. As I ponder on the phenomena of Asian women dying to the white but white women dying to be tan, I find it is more about showing the status of life style more than anything. If a white woman can lie under the sun, sipping juices, and putting coconut oil on her so she can get the perfect tan everyone would envy about, that becomes the beauty standard white society purses. On the other hand, if an Asian woman doesn't have to go out to the field to work and can stay home to develop the traditional feminine traits, then she will have the white skin to show her privilege. So now we see the other side of the grass is always greener, people keep wanting what they do not have. But has it gone too far? As we see all the whitening beauty products fill the market and every open space, what is it really telling us? When using a white person to be the model for whitening beauty products, as in my opinion, is so manipulating. Is it saying that by using this whitening product you will be so white that even become a different race? Or is it simple encouraging people to buy more products to achieve this impossible task.  When having white skin becomes the only beauty standard in this society, people become even more narrow minded. They follow and obey blindly any vales society wants them to carry, instead of learning to accept all kind of beauty and possibility. Most important of all, they don't want to be themselves. Having only one standard for beauty is only a small example of how media controls people's mind in this society, as we see plenty more examples in fashion, politics, and so on. I think it is important to acknowledge this condition and learn to be an independent thinker.

___________________________________________________
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letter to the editor

 

 

Name: Lai, Jou yu (Zoe)

Address: 5F-1, #154 Ping-Teng Rd. Fong shan city, Kaohsiung

Mobile: 0960005417

 

 

 

 

 

Dear editor: I would like to comment on the recient serious problem of the false reports in Taiwan.

 

 

Freedom of Speech and the Responsibility of the Media

       

The Media are the main source from which the public gains fresh pieces of information. However, they do not seem to realize the power and the responsibility of theirs, refusing to face the fact that rights enjoyment also involve the payment of duty. To pursuit high circulation has become their main and nearly the only goal. Moreover, most of the presses have a clear political stance. People in Taiwan are overwhelmed by un-neutral news.

 The media bears the responsibility of educating. In Taiwan, we enjoy the freedom of speech, but it's a pity the Media makes a very complete use of their freedom by representing astonishing, catching false reports even false ones, which has set a ill model for the pubic and as well change people's value. They indeed have the right to report the news that they favor due to their political stance, but they can not neglect the responsibility of the effect of their reports. Un-neutral reports have constrained Taiwanese's thoughts.

The general quality of the reporters is lower than it used to be in terms of moral level. In my opinion, the media need to be re-educated so that, while owning the freedom of speech, they can learn more about bearing the duty of transmission of massages and educating, rather than seeing benefits only.    

---

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opinion letter to the editor

Dear editor:

I would like to respond my opinion about the article Taipei celebrates Africa Day posed on May 26, 2007.

 

Name: Hsu Yun-Chen
Address: No.1, Lane 532, Dingjhong Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Phone No.0919038066

 

Thank you very much.

 

 

 Cultural Interaction is not A Slogan.

 

Africa Day was held few days ago in Taipei . When I ran through this news, I felt surprised because I had no idea about Africa Day, and never heard that our government promoted this celebration. As the friend-nation of Taiwan , Africa is not familiar with Taiwan 's people, either do I. From my point of view, people in Taiwan are too less chances and experiences to contact with other different ethnic groups in the world.

Therefore, I suggest the government should hold more culture- interactive activities and encourage people or students to participant. The parents should join more cultural activities with their children. Students should learn the difference of ethnic groups in the school as well as family. The most important thing is that adults should set a good example of respect each other to show to the next generations instead of talking gossip in TV.

Taiwan is a small island. Competition among big countries to catch up with them is intense. The thing we can present ourselves is our cultural enlightenment in really action of everybody's mind. Every person and group has its unique culture to be respect no matter what kind of groups, Africa, America , or Asian are. We have to maintain our curious and respectful mind toward everything. With curiosity, we will find the answers or get more information through the Internet or books. "Equal of ethnic groups" is maybe still far away. Hence, as humans, the citizens in the world, have to take responsibilities to achieve the common goal.

 

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Letter to Editor

Dear Editor,

 

I'd like to express my opinion about the article 'why Taiwan students' English skills are embarrassingly poor' posted on Dec 23rd, 2006.

 

Sincerely,

 

Wang Yi-Ping

 

Name: Wang Yi-Ping (Rita)

Address: No.260, Ming Tzu Rd., North District, Taichung City 404, Taiwan

Phone No.:0923725480

What happened to our students' English?

        There is a fact that our students' scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are inferior to those achieved by those from most other Asian countries. Among them, some were colonized by English countries; some have fewer test-takers than Taiwan. The accuracy of Taiwanese students' English proficiency hasn't yet to be seriously taken. Despite the accuracy, what we need to pay attention to is our poor English proficiency.

        Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are the four ways to master English. Unfortunately, our education of English only focuses on reading and writing. When it comes to speaking and listening, it is said by some foreigners in Taiwan that our ability to communicate in English is inadequate. There must be something wrong with it. At school, what students learn about English is reading and memorizing grammar and vocabulary. The chance to speak out and listen to English is poor. Moreover, the pronunciation of some teachers of English is really awkward and the teaching method makes students sleepy. When they face with unfamiliar words or sentences, they always ask the teachers to translate. As a matter of course, the teachers translate for the students but their translation weakens students' solution-finding ability. This is the common failing between students and teachers of English which results students in becoming passive learners of English.

        As far as I am concerned, our students just lose the motivation and enthusiasm for learning English. They have to know English is more than an academic subject, a tool to enter a prominent school or an international company. They have to know English is the lingua franca of the world and the instrument to see the world. At the same time, our government and teachers of English have to create an English learning environment for students. If possible, I think having conversation classes is the easiest way to make students practice and speak out their English. No more than ten students in a class, the teacher can talk in English with students on one hand. One the other hand, the teacher can take the opportunity to teach students to how to apply their English to daily conversation. With the chance to speak English, students may start to confront and manage to deal with their English proficiency.

        No matter what educational system we have now, what chaos it is in, English is the production of globalization. Our students should know globalization makes English becomes the passport to the world. Without good English proficiency, our students cannot go anywhere. Cheer up! Our painstaking students!

---

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Letter to Editor

Opinion on English proficiency key to foreign firm
jobs.

Name: Liang-Chun Li
Address: 高雄市苓雅區武慶三路32巷6號4F-1
Mobile: 0963008840

Dear Editor

It is true that English proficiency is a key to
foreign firm jobs. And what makes employees so urgent
to enter such foreign companies is that they provide
good salary and welfare to their workers compared to
other local companies. However, I don't really
recommend learner of English just to learn the
language simply for the basic need of a job.
Languages are more likely to be the key to the world,
not just a key to foreign firm jobs. The definition
of English proficiency should be focused on the common
knowledge of English cultures and the ability to
express one's own culture to the rest English
speaking groups. This is what learners of English now
in Taiwan lack. It would be a waste just to learn a
language for getting a better job instead of using the
language to explore the world. How nice would it be
to explore the world while having a good work in
English.

____________________________________________________________________________________
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Letter to the editor

Dear Editor,

 

I'd like to express my opinion about the article ¡§English proficiency key to foreign firm jobs¡¨ posted on May 5th.

 

Sincerely yours,

Lin Yu-chiou

 

Name: Lin Yu-chiou

Address: No.183, Jhongshan 1st Rd., Sinsing District, Kaohsiung City 800, Taiwan

Phone No.:0958061125

 

 

English proficiency now becomes the major and common need among those employees.  It is necessary to require language proficiency certificates in job-hunting market.  In my opinion, language could be as a tool when people are communicating, but certainly it cannot be one¡¦s expertise.   Language can be a process which can help the employees to get much knowledge.  The reason bases on the situation of the interview.  Imaging that, the managers cannot discover that their candidates are without the proficiency, but they can find out whether the candidate can speak English fluently or not.

 

Ten years ago, when I studied in the elementary school, few students had the ability in English.  Moreover, most of them could not figure out the ABC letters.  Then, nowadays, the elementary school or the kindergarten both will have the program of learning foreign language.  BUSHIBAN locates everywhere.  Learning English becomes a trend.  Concerning the reason why our kids or job-seekers want to speak English fluently is the economic reason; English proficiency could mean that they have more chances to get a better job.  Nevertheless, people will prefer to learn foreign language instead of our native language.  Although, the government tries to keep our mother tongue (Taiwanese, Hakka, and aborigine languages) alive, if there is no such economic consideration or other interests for learning those languages; it is true that our language will disappear.

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Letter to the editor

Dear Editor,

I would like to offer my opinion about the article -- Council plans to revitalize languages on May 23, 2007 .

Name: I Wen Chen

Address: 1F., No.16, Lane 70, Yufong St., Gushan District, Kaohsiung City 804, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Mobile: 0952738517

 

     As is known to all, the geographic location of Taiwan is exceptionally gifted.  Owing to the unique geographic location, those who live in Taiwan have an environment of multi-culture and different languages, including the aboriginal language.   The culture is like a big history book which records the people's live style, the way people think, of course, the way of communicating, and so forth.   The culture and the language are important treasure for people to understand their origins.  Therefore, we should preserve the culture and the language, and keep them from extinction.  

The relationship between the culture and the language is like chicken-egg, and the best way to preserve the culture and language is to transform into written texts just like what was mentioned by Wang Chiou-i.  The transforming job depends on lots of people, who know the language, but there are not many people who know the language, and the truth is most people do not think the native language is worthy to learn, except English.   The reason that people do not want to learn their native language is that most company require employee with English proficiency.  The purpose of launching six-year indigenous language revitalization plan is good for saving the language and the culture from extinction, if integrating with inculcating the importance of the native language.   The preservation of culture and language does not only belong to the government or historian, but for every one.  The government should infuse the importance of preserving the language and the culture to people, and have all the people strive for cultural and linguistic preservation together.

letter to editor

Dear Editor,
I would like to offer my opinion on ¡§All-English
Learning Environment in Taiwan's English Language
School¡¨.

Name: Liu Chao-Jie
Address: Room 208, 2F, No.302, Minzu 1st Rd., Sanmin
District, Kaohsiung City
Mobile: 0958584045

What Taiwanese English learners need the most is the
chance to speak English. As we all know, schools in
Taiwan tend to give students tons of tests; a lot of
teachers tend to stuff students with endless tests.
Students go to school to take tests; they don¡¦t have
to open their mouths. What they need to do is to
write, write and write. Maybe it sometimes works, but
in terms of learning English, it¡¦s not a right policy
to apply.

We use English to communicate with others. Practice
makes perfect. If we rarely have chance to speak
English at school, how can we communicate well in
English. Maybe we can read English newspaper and
answer confusing grammatical questions; we know a lot
English words and are good at taking tests. But when
encountering real conversation, we stammer because of
lack of practice. It is a common phenomenon in Taiwan.

However, in recent years there are more and more
all-English learning environments in Taiwan, which
allow students to improve their oral abilities.
Students can apply what they learn from textbooks in
daily conversation. Bring knowledge to reality. Only
through that can students improve English proficiency.
Taking tests may increase scores; it¡¦s speaking that
makes you really learn languages.

____________________________________________________________________________________
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letter to editor

Dear Editor,

I would like to offer my opinion on English proficiency key to foreign firm jobs.

Name: Yu Ju Wang

Address: 8F., No.101, Lane 420, DinjinHou Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, 807, Taiwan

Mobile: 0952087746

 

According to the article on May 7^th, the survey found that over 96 percent of Taiwan's white-collar workers wanted to work for foreign enterprises, and with English proficiency at all aspect, was the priority skill to be chosen to these foreign enterprises.

 

It sounds attractive especially to those who will be graduating in June (including me), since entering a foreign company relates to better benefit by all means, yet how do these people succeed in winning their "dream job" has become the question. What I would like to stress further is that in fact the language ability in today world is not examined for white-collar-workers only, but the process has begun even earlier before entering to working field.  For example, as a student major in English, our school has asked students to pass CSEPT (大專英語能力檢定) with required score in order to achieve the graduate qualification. Although this policy does cause some disagreements to non-English major students since they consider the requested score for them is hard to accomplish, however, the result of taking test is indeed helpful when it comes to hiring practices. What will be the decisive factor for you to get selected for the job if you can not meet with the need to English ability in all aspect, and moreover, to use it naturally as if you are speaking your mother tongue? The experiences could be accumulated, and the skills could be improved, but all these come with the premise that your English is good enough to do all the communication and to receive information.   

 

This may sound threatening, that English is such a crucial element in job-searching market. What we can do now to get ourselves a ticket into this trend is to bring our potential into full play, which means to learn as much as you can at any time, and get ready for every possibility.

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letter to editor

---

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Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I would like to offer my opinion on promotion of Mandarin.

 

Name: Kuan-His Lin

Address: 5F., No.64, Lane 144, Sec. 2, Nanya S. Rd., Banciao City, Taipei County 220, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Mobile: 0963276943

 

 

Along with the globalization and raise of Taiwanese native identity, people in Taiwan nowadays are eager to achieve a higher linguistic level. We pursue English and Japanese which are the most influential foreign languages for this island, we encourage Taiwanese, and we legally protect aboriginal languages. They are exactly right but does Mandarin- our official language- not deserve our respect anymore?

 

In the past several years, Mandarin class in elementary and high schools has sharply reduced. Mandarin composition test originally included in senior high school entrance exam has been abolished. And young people¡¦s ability of thinking and linguistic organization, as many teachers of Mandarin have claimed, is destroyed and most of their expressions are ¡§devoid of substance.¡¨

 

Many nativists of Taiwanese have considered Mandarin as a foreign language introduced, or enforced by KMT government and associated it with China¡X the country considered as our enemy since their political oppression on us internationally. Some of them are even hostile to those Taiwanese-born Mandarin speakers. However, at same time they reject Mandarin, most of them send their kids to cram schools for English- another foreign language- in hope their kids can be more competitive in the future. Isn¡¦t ironic?

 

The fact is, we are not respecting for our official language as much as for other foreign or local languages. And, at some level, that means we have more respect for certain regions than for our country. Mandarin is our language officially and educationally. No matter it is related to China or not, no matter how other languages favor our economy and culture, our official language should never be depreciated.

 

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dear editor

Dear editor: I would like to suggest two measures
concerning the topic of students' essays need
improving.

Name: Nick Liu劉家鴻
Address: 北縣土城市延平街62巷1弄1號5樓
Phone Number: 0912504044

I would like to suggest two measures concerning
the topic of students' essays need improving,
which posted on 29th May. Firstly, school could
make compulsory rules asking students for the
extra-curriculum reading. Secondly, school could
provide students with writing class or personal
consultation or teacher.
By compulsory extra-curriculum reading, students
can learn good sayings, idioms, and words from
books, which are highly recommended by school.
Once they read a lot, they could use them
properly in writing. Most of the students now are
mainly depending on the Internet reading, which
often contains many vernaculars or Martian words,
(though they are not harmful to read.) but few of
the teenagers read in books. By surfing the
Internet, they could hardly acquire the usage of
these writing skills. If school could force them
to read in books, they may learn a lot good
sentences, using them well in writing.
After reading, students may start to write or
criticize only by hand what they have read. Only
through constant writing do students make
progress in it. But, they are not just write,
their essay should be revised and commented on
the structure, the phrase, and the coherence. At
the same time, teacher or consultant should
severely prohibit their writing from Martian
words, and ask them revise essay.
If the two methods could be applied, they will
help students make progress in writing, at least,
they will cultivate them the habit to write.

____________________________________________________________________________________
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dear editor

____________________________________________________________________________________
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Charlene's letter posted on China post

Click here to read the letter posted on China Post.

Here's a copy of the published letter. Congratulations, Charlene!

Foreign English teachers must understand local culture
2007/5/30
Wu Hsiao-ling Kaohsiung City

As everybody knows, the topic of whether hiring foreign teachers is good or not is popular one in Taiwan. Some people say that foreign teachers are beneficial to the children's English pronunciation and writing, but some say it's difficult to examine the foreign teachers' moral standings and qualifications. In this verbal battle, the cultural difference between the nonnative teachers and Taiwanese students tend to be neglected.

　

Foreign teachers' expectations for the students are different from Taiwanese teachers' expectations because of the cultural differences.

　

Sometimes the different understandings of culture and English deficiency cause unfortunate misunderstandings between teachers and students. The misunderstandings might in fact not only diminish students' interests for learning English but also disappoint foreign teachers teaching overseas.

　

Language and culture are inseparable. Assisting those foreigners who want to teach English in Taiwan in understanding Taiwanese culture is urgent and essential. Only by knowing the nation's culture, can a foreign teacher guide local students to understand his or her own culture and language. The department of Education in Taiwan should offer courses that are related to Taiwanese culture and moreover, require foreigners to be intern teachers before they can officially be teachers of English in Taiwan. All of these are helpful ways for both nonnative teachers and students to adapt to each other since, after all, teaching is a way of communicating.

Here's Ada's published article

Click here to go to China Post (You need to scroll down to look for Ada's work)

Due to the positive effects of the national languages development draft law, endangered languages in Taiwan such as Hakka and aboriginal languages have started reviving. The government now wants to build up a society which welcomes every variety of languages because a language is valued as the important heritage of culture, and there should not be judgments on different cultures.

Retrieving the Taiwanese history and the memories of citizens who received education in the early period of restoring Taiwan, languages except Mandarin were suppressed by the government at that time in order to unify the lingua franca and enable the government to release policies. However, the consequences of this strategy brought out serious damages of the balance or the equality between the languages. The local languages such as Taiwanese, Hakka, and aboriginal languages were considered inferior languages and represented subordinate cultures.

　In recent years, the public and the government awakened to the great significance of varied languages. Each language conceals its own remarkable character and uniqueness which has been conveyed from generation to generation, and these languages and cultures are essential to form a genuine Taiwan. After understanding the essence of language equality, the government established the national languages development draft law, and carried the plan out by promoting Hakka Television and Taiwan Indigenous Television, and also encouraged all levels of schools or institutions to provide various national language courses.

In order to create a society with respect for different languages and cultures, citizens in Taiwan must work together with the government. Taiwan will be an ideal country for its residents.

The opinion from Monica Huang

Dear Editior:
I would like to share my opinion about children's
English with you.
Thank for your time.

Name: Monica Huang 黃佳仁
Address: 高雄縣鳥松鄉明湖路81-6號 4F
Phone Number: 0919174376

_______________________________________________

Is the good decision or just the desire?

In the elementary school, the children from fifth
grades to six grades need to learn English
becaue of the policy of MOE in 2000. The parents
mostly put their children into the English cram
schools for further improvement after school time.
Moreover, some children even lerant
English at the kindergarten period.
The parents simply hope that their children's
English won't fall behind others'. Or, they
think the sooner start of learning English, the better
result of it. However, this kind of thought would
influence the children's interest of learning English.

The children have already endured the pressure that
they have to learn English well from the expectation
of thier parents' hope. If the children didn't learn
English well, their parents may scold at them first
and stop their learning of English in the cram school
for saving money. By doing so, the children may start
to hate English this subject and lose the interest of
learning English.
That is just one kind of situation of children's
English learning. Here I would like to point out that
the parents usually think about the hope on their
children first and then if it reveals the opposite
effects of children's English learning the parents may
awake to that their decisions are not suitable for
their children.
In oreder to lift the children's interest of
learning English, the parents in Taiwan should tell
the reason of learning English to the children first.
Moreover, the parents also pay much attention on
children's mind for learning English not just on the
effect ot learnig English. To care what the children
want is more important than to ask what the children
do.

____________________________________________________________________________________
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Language Policy in Taiwan

Dear editor:

I would like to express my opinion towards National Languages Development Draft Law.

Thank you!!!

By Henry Wu  0933648558 高雄市鼓山區雄峰里九如四路二○一一號二樓之四

 

Language Policy in Taiwan

Following the establishment of National Languages Development Draft Law, language policy in Taiwan makes a breakthrough. It also means the equality of language. However, some people regard it as political issue with subjective thought. From the point of "localization and internationalization", the draft law have reached the localization goal in language policy. Internationalization would be the next step.

     From the geographical and historical view, Taiwan is an island which has contained multiple languages and cultures. In the early era, some languages, except of Mandarin Chinese, such as Taiwanese, Hakka or aboriginal languages were suppressed by the powerful authorities. And some of them were almost suffered from extinction. The draft law can just retrieve them. It's not something relating to independency, but correct language policy.

     With increasing economic development, internationalization has become the fever. English is the global language which more people are learning. Chinese, especially, has been another fever in the world. Taiwanese government should seriously look upon real situation and adjust its strategy in languages. English is second language in Hong Kong and Singapore and it lets them internalize. But people in two cities can still speak Chinese well. They are good examples for Taiwan.

     The draft law is a great starting step in "localization". The point should be emphasized is that localization and internationalization are both important. And the authority should search for correct language policy instead of votes.

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