Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk

Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk

Anna Carmela Baluyut /2007

Migrant workers are common these days. One persons’ story is the same as another’s. These days, migrant workers seem to be sharing something new: Poor English skills.

English speaking nations suffer

According to the May 2007 ABC.net article “Report finds English skills hampering foreign horticulture workers,” poor English skills are heaping more tasks for employers worldwide”

“A study has found that non-English speaking workers in the horticulture industry are finding it difficult to further their skills,” and

“The council's training coordinator, John Chase, says more support is needed for those who do not speak English.”

This means more work for employers. Work they wish they didn’t have to deal with.

In the UK front, the same dilemma has arisen. In the July 2006 issue of Personality Today, these facts showed a growing problem among UK employers who hire non-native English workers:

“The report, by the Learning and Skills Network, says the majority of migrants from EU accession countries are highly qualified and skilled…However, it warns that many are failing to find jobs that match their experience and qualifications because of their poor English skills. Instead they get caught in the trap of low-paid, low-skilled and temporary employment.”

The Solution

From the same UK source, a plea was made: “Can we find someone to work alongside them to support them and encourage them from time to time and help them understand what the issues are and how they can deal with them?"

Did we hear someone say “We need an English teacher?” This seems to be the obvious solution. But others are arguing that lessons are expensive, and not many native speakers are available to teach adult students.

To the first argument, English skills instruction has developed radically through the years that there are a variety of affordably priced English lesson with reputable quality available online. A quick run-through of Internet search engines will overwhelm you with choices among native as well as second language speakers of English.

To the second argument, the British Council itself, a well established agency with ties to Cambridge University (UK) has released findings that say the traditional English teacher (blonde, fair skinned, and blue eyed) is now facing a competitor in the face of Asians who have grown up using English as a second language, have further studied it to the hilt, and now teach it with the same ease and even more practical applications than their blue eyed counterparts. Take Filipinos for instance. Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese students and professionals flock to the Philippines yearly to undergo intensive English lessons. Those who are either too busy or cannot afford the trip simply study online.

Quality of Online English Lessons

Are online lessons as good as face-to-face ones? Definitely! With a qualified tutor and internationally recognized materials, anyone needing improvement in English will definitely learn. You can even get a free demo lesson before deciding to get paid lessons!

There are various websites based in the native speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and new Zealand. Expect a hefty price tag, of course, but you can be assured of the high quality and authenticity of instruction you’ll be getting. ESL (English as a Second Language) countries offer the same quality at a lower price. As to quality, the Philippines and India rank highest, having been exposed to English the longest, compared to other former colonies.

Okakura Kakuzo said “The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Let us not fight the way language develops. Instead, let’s find ways to stay afloat, follow the current, and eventually reach our destination.