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Thread: Native English-Speakers ??

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[quote=PINETREE,226319]I think most of us know that certain policies here insist on "native English-speakers". I note that the policy on "Columnists" here does not. But in other sectors of TCG, there is still the insistence of such a necessity.As the English language gradually becomes more widely used, there are countries/people who are not native English-speakers or who don't look caucasians but are very conversant in the language. And this is not uncommon.Take the example of my beautifully hot country - SG. Most of the people here spend at least between 12-17 yrs officially studying/communicating in that language in schools, sadly or not. It is not uncommon of us to start speaking English almost right after birth ! So much so that these comrades of mine cannot write/speak their own mother tongue  - English has effectively become their mother tongue - ie Chinese, Malay or Indian. And this education system using English as the medium of instructions has been firmly in place with us for about 2-3 generations already. Our students generally score very good marks in USA's TOEFL & English exams organised by the UK universities beating many many native English-speakers hands down. In fact our high English standard is quite well known globally.On the other hand, not all caucasians write/speak English. In fact, native English-speakers do not form the majority of the caucasians (not sure tho).I have always felt strongly against such a policy on being "native English speakers only" to teach the language or even as proof-reading volunteers. Of cos orally there will be that difference in accents. Even the English, Scots, Welsh, Irish, USAmericans, Aussies/NZ speak with different accents.  I think this policy reflects the ignorance or arrogance of such policy makers - unless their  "native English-speakers" refers to all regular speakers/users of the language, regardless of colour of their skins and the features of their faces.Another example - what about the USAmerican blacks or yellows or... who are borne and raised in English-eaking countries ? Are they native English-speakers by the definition ? Are Spanish or Hungarians native English-speakers, even tho they are conversant in English ?Hahaha !! Have fun.PS - Is it true that USA has just declared that English is their official language now or something like that ? Only now !![/quote]

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