ESL Blogs

English Club reminds me of a large International Airport. Many flights are ready to land, several are leaving at the same time. A few of us stick around and park our wings underneath the hangar's shelter while much needed repairs are being performed. The very best aircraft get displayed in a museum for all passengers to see while walking into the port at it's entrance.

The entire relationship between learners and a few of us so called teachers seems so similar at times. 

In reality, the people that I've bonded with as a native speaker have meant more to me than the basic English skills than this "American Caveman" has been able to offer at times.

This reminds me of the Western and English speaking culture and how family structure honestly works here in the United States along with many other nations that enjoy the freedom of governmental common law rule.

I'll describe a brief and fictional scenario that could be typical of any American household.

Mom is in the bedroom talking quietly on the phone to a divorce lawyer because she's hurt and confused while giving up on life and it's spousal struggles.

Dad is out in the work force earning a living and worried about how to support his wife and children. Meanwhile, the children are at school trying to learn and hoping all will be well while acting like a playground bully or coward. The character of the child decides their nature. Dad is just oblivious to the true depth of what's really happening. All he thinks about it sex, dinner, and bouncing those two children on his knee for a moment before he retires to bed after a long day's work. 

Mom is worried about the bills piling up that can't be paid and how her kids are going to have money put away for the a college education. Her concerns are deep and well validated. Life and it's challenges are on her mind constantly. She wishes that the man she married would pull his head out from a place where the sun doesn't shine and join her struggle.

Regardless of the present circumstances, they both share the same common goal (whether they know it or not). The learning of what life and it's vast and unpredictable twists and turns have to offer is what makes us human. Perfect English really isn't the challenge. International and local communication and it's proper use for the sake of humanity is the point I'm trying to make.

By the way, those two fictional characters that I mentioned in the above listed paragraphs are now on speaking terms once again and enjoying a better and more happy relationship. The children are behaving themselves and blending into the learning process while achieving excellent marks at school.

One might ask, "What turned this entire scenario around?". The question of the hour is, "Who cares?". The end result was positive. My guess would be that one of those parents decided to finally land on the runway of life and park underneath that symbolic hanger for some much needed repairs.

Is the story an honest depiction of a real life story that may have occurred? My good friends here can decide on that matter.

In the end, know who you're true partners and friends are in life. What you learn from them may amaze you beyond belief. The two previously mentioned subjects in this paragraph have always been the very best of me. Learning from each other and what this site has to offer is more important to this old sole than properly communicating in perfect English. 

Mickey, my little niece, you challenged me to write about this subject two weeks ago. The content was carefully considered before posting. Please don't say that I didn't warn you. lollllllll ;)