Tuesday January 8, 2013
Hey, you speak good English
By JUNE HAMID
How do you improve your language skills to the point that you can give a snappy response when foreigners compliment you on the way you speak ‘their’ language?
IN the past, during my years spent living and studying overseas in Australia and in the United Kingdom, I was often presented with this matter of fact statement. At that time, I didn’t really know how to respond, especially when surrounded by native speakers.
It was often difficult to explain something that was indeed very natural to me.
But nowadays, when the same statement is put to me, I respond confidently with a “And so do you!”, often accompanied by a quizzical look, as if to not find their observations funny at all.
I find pride in being able to converse and express myself fluently in this language of the world. The English language can only be explained as being all pervasive; its tentacles of speech, writing, and readings are present throughout the world. This undeniably impacts all, especially those who, like myself, find a passion for all things English. So then, speaking English becomes a natural thing which transcends borders and cultures.
So, you may ask, how does one speak good English? The answer is simple: READ.
I am not of the MTV generation where, if one was schooled on a diet of vivid images peppered with US-centric stories and drawls, you would often have an Americanised accent. But I’d like to think that since English belongs to us all, that accents of different countries are becoming less discernible. What has emerged now instead is a globalised version of the language, that makes it difficult for the listener to know the origins of any speaker.
But then again, does it matter? What matters is that an ease of speaking can stem from reading. I’d like to believe that you eventually develop your own accent and voice from drowning yourself with reading, in all manner and forms.
I grew up speaking English from day one, as is often the case when your parents spoke that very language each and every day. So the cooing was always in English, as were the scoldings, praises etc. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued to find out more about this language. And so the devouring of reading material began. That joy presented itself with eclectic stories that ranged from Animal Farm, The Old Man and The Sea to any of the novels of Sweet Valley High School.
By attempting to read each and every genre, you begin to formulate your own type of reading. Now writers such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Monica Ali, Amy Tan and Malcolm Gladwell, present an interesting and likeable voice that I seem to be able to relate to. Frankly, I see it as a very nice bit of escapism when the occasion warrants it.
But I digress. I think that the way to speaking good English, is by reading the words, which in turn builds essential vocabulary. Then listen to them being said, and enjoy the sounds as the words literally dance in your mouth.
But don’t take my word for it. As you contemplate the nuances of the language through the joy of reading, you will find that this is ultimately a personal journey of discovery, honed by exposure to any type of story – whether found in a book, an online article or a Facebook update.
In fact, anything at all that’s written contains ideas and thoughts that take root in one’s mind. The plan should be to nurture them into a tree of your favourite stories, thoughts and vivid imagery.
So the idea is simple: start reading, and that will lead you to speaking with ease and confidence.
>June Hamid is passionate about all things English, and resides in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. She believes that Malaysians are a hotbed of creative ideas and voices, and would love to hear of your passion for reading at junehamid@rocketmail.com
Source:
RSS
