In her article, Hosu Kim states " Once i realize i have nothing to sell, I murmur to myself that maybe i should master english fluently. Then nobody treats me as if i am nothing here. Maybe i can go over there and study.The power of english is a guarantor for your success." Though it sounds very depressing that people believe that the only way they can be appreciated in life, is if they speak english fluently, and study in America; I realized while reading this that this is exactly how people in my community, or even just in my house alone think. there are many times that i can remember where i have told my mom, who is now living here more then twenty years, to learn english properly, because thats the only way she can get a decent job.
Similar to Minke, Kim realizes that there is no reason to be shamed of who you are, after dealing with Americans. She realizes that even learning english doesnt mean that you will be gauranteed a great life. i believe that that Kim was trying to relate the pain and agony of giving up a child for adoption to the idea of wanting to change your background. the changes you would have to make in yourself to forget who you are would, in essence be agonizing and painful, such as giving up a child.
In all honesty, if you live in the USA and expect to make a six figure salary without a business-level command of the english language, you'd be hard pressed to do so. This doesn't just go for foreigners, either. Even native born Americans who do very well in academia in general are turned away because they simply cannot write a decent resume, essay or letter.
ReplyDeleteI'm not trying to detract from anyone's native culture, but English is a trade language- Not the only one mind you, there is also Japanese, Cantanese, Mandarin, and yes, Spanish. What outlines a trade language? Quite simply the popularity of its use elevates it to a standard. In smaller countries like Sweden and Japan, public education mandates the teaching of the English language, simply because it is far more beneficial to learn it as a second language instead of trying to be resistant to it.
That's the nature of business and society, if one expects to adapt and grow, they have to adapt and grow to meet whatever is demanded of them, or be left behind because of a failure to compromise. Does having a good command of a trade language guarentee a successful and prosperous life? Of course not, but it certainly isn't a reason to avoid learning one.