◆ SpookStack

C | () ; ‘English Vital For Students | | ‘With varying degrees of msistence, schoo] authorities of the Valley have laid down a policy against the use of Span- Ash in the classroom and playground, except of course in Spanish language classes. * . ‘This is one of 15 items of Compiaint whict a group of students in the Etsa-Edcouch area have cited as being “dis- crinunalory” im nature. it would seem to us that it is not only reasonable but ex- trewnc.y persuasive thai the use of English dur:ng ihe schooi day shouid be encouraged. This is not a matter of “dis- crimination” but simply a method of trying to improve the student's fluency in the language which happens tc be the prevaient and official one of the county in which he is living. r Among the rea!, as opposed 4p apparent, disadvantages of the “disadvantaged" people of this country is “ally [ with the Engiish language. Anyone with ao obvious utd pag: .| mng deficiency in the use of Engiish is, in this cow , al a distinct disadvaniage, pot because of ¢.scrimunaiwn (using, thal word as a synonym for prejudice or bias) but because that person lacks a very basic toot for his own well-being. ’ A genius in the engineering departr.caot who cannot com> municate his thoughts with accuracy and ease is a self - conla:ned lide package, working largely for his own amuse- : ment. complishment — an advantage, if you will, But ‘o te barciy literate in two languages and accomplisied in neither is not beipll. Keeping — or perfecting—knowiedge of Spanish Is com- mendable. But the mere fact that Spanish is the “natural” language used by the student outside the classroom is in- Gicative of bis lack of comfort with Engiish. No laws pass- ; ed by the government and no sermons preached from the i pulpit will erase the disadvantaze of the inan or woman | whose English is crude or halting. | | Fiuerey ia more than one languase is a splesthd ac- ( 4 ‘The effort at self-improvement dictates that young peo- Pile should accept willingly the chauenge to learn lo use the English language, not gingerly as one wears a stiff shirt at & formal function, but as the language of first instance and & source of comfort and advancement.