Sunday, December 5, 2010

Chapter 6: Language

What does this say: ghoti?

No, not gotee, it says fish.  At least that is what it would say if you use English phonics. Let me show you:
What does t-o-u-g-h spell?  That's right, tough.  So the "gh" makes the f sound.
What does w-o-m-e-n spell?  That's right, women. So the "o" makes an i (as in ish) sound.
What does n-a-t-i-o-n spell?That's right, nation.So "ti" makes the sh sound.

So, g-h-o-t-i says fish. Right?  Wrong.

This was the reply I got when I asked Mr. Braverman, the TESOL teacher I observed (who speaks several languages), if English was easier or more difficult than other languages to learn.  I have shared it with many people since.

Language is an essential part of any society.  It is the verbal and non-verbal ways people communicate in a community, culture or country.

For this blog, I was asked to give my opinion on California Proposition 227. Briefly,

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