English is virtually a second tongue to millions of users of other languages.According to recent statistics, it is one of the most known languages by majority of the world’s 7 billion population.It is the main languages of communication in the field of commerce, diplomacy, and science.It is the official language of the UN, NATO, Worldbank,ASEAN, and World Council of Churches, the Olympics, and Miss Universe Beauty Pageant.
English language is a basic basic knowledge every Filipino should know.Take a case when someone seeks job.He fills out his bio-data or does his resume.He writes his application letter and undergoes interview.All of these stages of job hunting require knowing English.Having a command of English language is undoubtedly an edge.One who speaks English fluenty or writes effectively is looked up as someone very talented and capable of doing tasks assigned to him.
To develop command of it,authorities on English language in our country suggest the following.
Master the grammar.
Grammar rules should be strictly followed.If in doubt, make it a habit to check grammar books or notes,and understand. One should have a clear grasp of what is grammatically correct and what is grammatically right.
Practice
We already heard perhaps a thousand times constantly write and speak in English.Write anything that inerest you.It could be a poem or an essay or even a short story.Speak it whenever there is an opportunity.
This seems a problem.Television has usurped reading time time at home.Certainly watching can be enjoyable but it must not supplant the pursuit of reading good books and the art of conversation.
Read
Read poems,essays,short stories,plays and exciting books.Reading widens mental horizons.Start with light materials-daily newspaper, a popular magazines,or a book of easy short stories.As you acquire fluency and pleasure, try something complex.Have patience with the book; do not give up after the first few pages.Stay withit for several chapters until you know definitely whether or not you like it.
Reading expands us.As English statesman and philosopher declared.Read not to contradict or confute,nor to believe or take for granted, nor to find talk or discourse, but to weigh and consider.Some books are to be tasted, others to be chewed, and some few to be digested and swallowed.
Think before speaking
Speak in straight English not Taglish.Avoid inserting native words into your English sentences.Choose the right words to express your thoughts, and avoid carelessness when talking.When stumbling upon unfamiliar words,readily consult the dictionary.Speaking correctly is an art and it needs cultivation.Having a command of English language makes someone very competitive.He could effectively communicate to the most numbers of people around the globe.As the saying goes “He who speaks English owns one half of the world”.He has more options and opportunities, and is more confident in dealing with people.It is definitely a big boost for personality development, and even gaining respect from others.
By: Girlie F. Sanchez | MT-1 | Alasasin Elem. School | Alasasin Mariveles Bataan
