Ethnicity, Clans, Family Status and Social Environment that I grow up shape my English knowledge in writing, speaking and understanding, which I am contented just for being me. I don't strive for a perfect British or an American accent English because I was not born in an English-speaking country. I sometimes asked myself why? Why should I follow the Hollywood or the big Ben English? Will it help me not recognizing by being a Filipino? I discern in our culture that most Filipinos wish to speak and write a glamorous English to be recognized that they are a socialite and even smart!
According to our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal said, “"He who does not love, his own language is worse than an animal and smelly fish." I realize when I grow up the “glamorous English” is beginning to pressure me, time after time. I also remember during my schooling, I paid many times a penny or a hard labor every time I speak my local dialect “the Chavacano”. But until this time I, however, insist on making it my second choice. In this case, I learned English grammar through “sound recognition”. I don't go for Shakespeare grammar both in speaking and in writing. For me, as long as I can communicate English in an average way it is already a big head for me.
As time gets older. I find the importance of using English most especially in my teaching career. I feel awkward in a group of professionals who can speak and write opulent English and I rather stay away from them. And, if not, I received my written work full of corrections as what most Filipino colleagues, I mingle with and not other nationals who are a native-born English speaker. Sometimes when I speak, I feel bullied or if not I end up answering many question because what I uttered is unclear to others.
I believe what Roslyn said in the video “knowledge of grammar will give you a wonderful toolkit that will give you greater confidence and greater power over your writing.” quote and unquote.
