ENGLISH: A TOOL FOR UNDERSTANDING

Language is a gift to man. It has been an integral tool in understanding one another in the
communication process. Language has been a great factor towards individual and societal progress
and development. Not to mention that, since formal education began specifically in the Philippines,
language has been a part of it already. English as a universal language has been used as a medium
of instruction in most subjects in the curriculum. It is even taught as a subject or course of study.
It is not unknown to anybody that…
LANGUAGE breaks barriers.
fills in gaps.
bridges connections.
builds understanding
promotes unity.
enhances socialization and so much more.
But, do these notions of language still hold true today?
Well, these notions still hold true today. It is just there is a change in the attitude of people
towards the language and its users. English has been viewed by many through the narrow lens as a
“measure of intelligence”. Anyone who can speak the language fluently is regarded as a highly
intellectual person. (It may be true in some cases.) That is why a person may babble in English or
may speak nonstop English with words without substance but nobody dares to interrupt and
immediately considered whatever has been spoken as true or factual.
With regards to English usage, people are divided into two major groups: the group who uses
the language and the group who does not use the language. Since English is a second language to
Filipinos, at first, we may all belong to the group who does not apply or use the language. Most
people are reluctant to use the language especially in communicating with other people due to the
fear of being criticized. Most people have this kind of disposition towards the language but there are
some people who are successful enough to change and look at the language at a better and positive
perspective, making them able to have a full grasp of it.
The most common word associated with language is UNDERSTANDING. In real life, you
speak the language or use the language not to impress but to be understood and to understand
others. Communicating with other people does not require a high-level of English proficiency. The
simplest among the simple words are used to have a smooth flow of communication. People have
different language learning ability but at least, we learn the basic so that we can cope whenever we
will be in a situation which requires the use of English. But, of course, it is never bad to aim higher for
yourself with regards to proficiency in the language. All it takes is an open mind and change of
perspective towards ENGLISH.