Learning, enjoying English language
H Slabbert, writes:
On a street, I picked up a scribbler, Afrikaans Kreatiewe Skryfwerk, belonging to a child from a local school in Mossel Bay.
The motto in Latin states: Luce Scientiae Crescimus. Not knowing Latin, I suppose it says: Strive to scientifically bring light (in Africa). It further states (in English): Be proud. Be polite. And somewhere inside the teacher had a page pasted: "Bly kalm, en praat Afrikaans"(!)
Nobody knows better than I that teaching and learning languages is no child's play.
It is definitely for the brave. But this child learns: "so bleek soos 'n laken(t)" - not knowing what "sheet" means ... (or English words like "sleet" and "discreet" - which should be taught in a poetry lesson).
One (creative ) letter by this youngster reads: "Die redes vir hirdi brief is dat mei fiets se ketting cam of die yulle tyd (chain keeps slipping [off])." Somewhere else: "was gefind by volwe en a tiere" (Eina!).
And then the unnaturalness of indirect speech. (Which is in the syllabi from Grade 1 - 12. Stupidity.)
It is high time that we stop pondering on, but discover why matric results are inadequate.
Or: why do we learn to speak (any language). Is it only to pass tests/exams? I envisage a language centre: LanguageAktif, where children could be helped (if they are willing); where also isiXhosa can be learned - by "light" and coloured speakers; also Afrikaans communication; English stylistics (including poetry, music and expression).
As well As 'Hafing' fun! in learning another tongue like Portuguese? (And damn the rest pardon the expression, and my French.)
Yes, languages can also be toyed with, and be enjoyed. Hopefully at affordable prices here in Mossel Bay, where everything rises, except hope. Interested participants, parents, partners, and pupils/language learners (including adults) can contact me by sms: 072 839 3488.
We are not up and running, yet. But flexing our muscles. Ari! Xiau! Iyi geçeler! Gute Nacht... En dankie dat u die koerantbrief gelees het.