Article II, Vol 1
First alert
I have wrestled with this question for a long time. Growing up in Suffolk, Virginia I just knew I could speak proper English - because everybody told me so - including my teachers at East Suffolk High School. This opinion changed rapidly in the spring of my junior year. My English teacher, Mr. Herbert Briscoe, Jr. brought a tape recorder to class. He recorded the presentation of the top five speakers. My speech drew a loud ovation. I went to my seat feeling real good. What happen next had a profound effect on my life. Mr. Briscoe played the tape. I could not believe that was me speaking. I heard words like "yeing, heing, ain't gat, ain't chu, them thare," and a whole lot of poor English or near English pronunciations.
Because most of us spoke that way, I realized then and there that I had to be my own critic. Our teachers put emphasis on writing correct English, but very little emphasis on speaking. Listening to that tape recording let me know how I sounded..I was not speaking Ebonics, but just plain improper English..
Consequences
I started working on improving my speech. I had a long way to go.
My first year from home, reality knocked on my door. I joined the Army in 1960. During basic training in Fort Jackson, my platoon sergeant came to my barrack and asked for a soldier who was out. I answered, "Heing helin (he is not here). Then he asked, "Do you have a broom I can borrow? I replied, "ain't gat nay one helin (do not have one here). The sergeant said, "Soldier I don't really know what you said, but I think I figured it out."
As he walked away, I mused, "He must have trouble understanding English."
Speech improved
When I went back to my hometown. Many of my friends, accused me of trying to speak proper. I told them that I thought that I was suppose to speak proper. Anyway, it worked out.
Finally, I got it together and improved. My self improvement made a difference in my military, college, work, family, and social life.
Teachers awareness
Today, my childhood situation still exist with many young and old persons in Suffolk.Why? Well, for one thing, many of the teachers, write good English, but they are trapped in the web speaking English improperly. Often the teachers reply may be, "been talking like this all these years, ain't no need to change now."
So the beat goes on.
Need parents & students involvement
For a change to come, it is going to be up to the students, teachers, and parents to implement changes. Speaking correct English does make a difference in the world beyond Suffolk or whatever little or big town you live in.
Closing Statement
Well, as for me, after all these years, and several hundred published articles, reports and stories, my writing is still a work in progress. My speaking has improved, but I'm studying to improve in that category too.
Note
The East Suffolk High School Alumni Association is scheduled to meet monthly in Suffolk, VA
Revised publication (original published December 7, 2010) This is a Pre-Edited Release
Copyright 2010 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.
First alert
I have wrestled with this question for a long time. Growing up in Suffolk, Virginia I just knew I could speak proper English - because everybody told me so - including my teachers at East Suffolk High School. This opinion changed rapidly in the spring of my junior year. My English teacher, Mr. Herbert Briscoe, Jr. brought a tape recorder to class. He recorded the presentation of the top five speakers. My speech drew a loud ovation. I went to my seat feeling real good. What happen next had a profound effect on my life. Mr. Briscoe played the tape. I could not believe that was me speaking. I heard words like "yeing, heing, ain't gat, ain't chu, them thare," and a whole lot of poor English or near English pronunciations.
Because most of us spoke that way, I realized then and there that I had to be my own critic. Our teachers put emphasis on writing correct English, but very little emphasis on speaking. Listening to that tape recording let me know how I sounded..I was not speaking Ebonics, but just plain improper English..
Consequences
I started working on improving my speech. I had a long way to go.
My first year from home, reality knocked on my door. I joined the Army in 1960. During basic training in Fort Jackson, my platoon sergeant came to my barrack and asked for a soldier who was out. I answered, "Heing helin (he is not here). Then he asked, "Do you have a broom I can borrow? I replied, "ain't gat nay one helin (do not have one here). The sergeant said, "Soldier I don't really know what you said, but I think I figured it out."
As he walked away, I mused, "He must have trouble understanding English."
Speech improved
When I went back to my hometown. Many of my friends, accused me of trying to speak proper. I told them that I thought that I was suppose to speak proper. Anyway, it worked out.
Finally, I got it together and improved. My self improvement made a difference in my military, college, work, family, and social life.
Teachers awareness
Today, my childhood situation still exist with many young and old persons in Suffolk.Why? Well, for one thing, many of the teachers, write good English, but they are trapped in the web speaking English improperly. Often the teachers reply may be, "been talking like this all these years, ain't no need to change now."
So the beat goes on.
Need parents & students involvement
For a change to come, it is going to be up to the students, teachers, and parents to implement changes. Speaking correct English does make a difference in the world beyond Suffolk or whatever little or big town you live in.
Closing Statement
Well, as for me, after all these years, and several hundred published articles, reports and stories, my writing is still a work in progress. My speaking has improved, but I'm studying to improve in that category too.
Note
The East Suffolk High School Alumni Association is scheduled to meet monthly in Suffolk, VA
Revised publication (original published December 7, 2010) This is a Pre-Edited Release
Copyright 2010 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment