From the 2nd page of this thread..........HB wrote:what do u do?![]()
do u teach at a neighbourhood school?
do u even teach at a school?![]()
![]()
HB,k1w1 wrote:I agree that the problem is not so much that local kids have an accent or use different words in different ways - I myself have a totally different accent and word usage than Americans, Brits and Aussies.
The problem really, is that kids (and parents!) are not able to reciprocate when "standard" English is used. Most of my students understand everything I say (sometimes, I still get asked why I say "I beg your pardon" when I didn't hear someone... sigh), but they are rarely able to speak in correct sentences or with the correct words. It is not snobbery or wanting anyone to speak like the queen, as I already pointed out, most "native speakers" don't do that anyway. If it were an accent problem, they would be in the same league as kiwi's and would just get laughed at for their "strange ways" - end of story.
I have assumed sooooo many times that some of my students speak another language at home, as the reason their English is so bad. I speak with their parents and quickly confirm this in my head, as mum and dad are having difficulty speaking (so that I can understand them) too. I ask them: what language does your family speak at home? and have been shocked again and again, to be told they only speak English.
The problem is that I teach English language. I have heard pretty much every appalling accent, grammar mistake and pronunciation issue ever made. It is my JOB to understand what people are saying, and to help them correct it when they are in my class. And frankly, it is really hard work understanding a lot of people here. And as I said, I work with this and am well used to it - imagine the majority of people who are not.
You really should read ALL of a thread before trying to impress others with your verbal wit.........................
