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Bullying someone over use of non-native language not smart

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017
Bullying someone over use of non-native language not smart

Re: Toon is popular, but can you say that about PM?

Somsak Pola tried to make a joker of me over how I express my opinions, including my use of English.
To tell you the truth, Khun Somsak, English is not my first language.
And despite being a Thai, I don’t feel that Thai is “my” language either.
Khun Somsak’s letter reminds me how very few of today’s Thais are able to speak and write English – because those who “think” they know the language better always try to belittle those who are struggling to improve themselves in it.
All three generations in my family are able to speak and write English to some extent. I never teach or lecture them except when asked. All I do is encourage them to be bold enough to express themselves and learn by trial and error – and acquire proficiency as a result of that experience. Nobody “owns” the English language. Hence we should not bully one another over it. We should encourage, instead of discourage, each other in order to improve the overall English proficiency in Thailand.
I think Khun Somsak should learn how not to be a “specialist” where English is concerned.
Chavalit Wannawijitr
Chiang Mai