adminMorris Mtisi
Why are schools producing a few distinctions in English Language examinations, and the bulk of candidates reeling in mediocrity and far below average? Those of us who are anxiously observant may also ask, “Why are today’s Chief Executive Officers, managers of companies and institutions, lecturers, teachers, school heads and education officers alike, radio and television presenters, journalists and columnists unable to thread flavoursome language; language that the listener or reader can remember with interest?
The answer is very simple.
Our education system today aims at mediocrity, communicating to be understood, not an execution of verbal intelligence, craftsmanship and skill.
That answers all the questions above. So long as you have communicated some semblance of sense, that’s fine. Schools are failing to produce top-shelf speakers and writers.
Even the chief examiners are happy with the half- baked bread produced in the schools, scrambled and underdone eggs unfit for any breakfast.
A debate around the politics of languages, the fear of cultural imperialism, an emotional vengeance syndrome against colonial mentality and sheer Anglophobia can wait until next week. Watch the space.
For now let us worry about schools and an education system that are failing to produce verbally intelligent lawyers, journalists, radio and television presenters, news reporters, politicians, CEOs, teachers, lecturers, education officers, speakers, entertainers and musicians.
Let us worry about schools which celebrate mediocrity, a mere pass grade at the expense of excellence, schools which do not stretch vision beyond examinations.
That must be our worry.
Let us worry about schools which produce candidates who can only say or write, “We are not yet out of trouble’ instead of, ‘we are not yet out of the woods’, / ‘political confrontation’ instead of ‘political stand-off’/ ‘continue to push things away from happening,’ instead of ‘kick the can down the road’,/ ‘become more passionate and thoughtful’ instead of, ‘put a lot of heart and depth into it’.
More examples:
Too many prohibitions/ don’ts in the arrangement
Cf. Too many red-lines in the arrangement
Join others/ be involved/ take part
Cf. Come to the party
Give me a chance/ opportunity
Cf. Give me space
Move into the opportunity / chance
Cf. Move into that space
Country’ economy gradually improving
Cf. Country’s economy taking a corner
The story of political discussion
Cf. Narrative of political discourse
Education is not entertainment/an enjoyable game.
Cf. Education is not a romantic affair.
No one can guess/prophesy the state of the economy.
Cf. No one has a crystal ball when it comes to the national economy.
Whatever good or bad happens, we need to do our job.
Cf. High or low, we need to do our job.
An amusing political story
Cf. A fascinating political soap- opera.
It is now done and over with
Cf. It is now done and dusted.
They keep on changing the rules
Cf. They keep on changing the goalposts.
There is no option/ alternative now
Cf. It is make or break
To act unfairly
Cf. Hit below the belt
The Power of Words (Vocabulary)
Instead of ‘did’ something, you can say, achieved/ completed/ fulfilled/ accomplished.
Instead of ‘got’ something, you can say, acquired/ attained/ earned/ achieved.
Something wrong: amiss/ unacceptable/ imprecise/ improper/ inaccurate/ blameworthy/ awry/ unseemly/ inappropriate.
Something stupid: absurd/ brainless/ foolish/ idiotic/ unwise/ irrational/ ludicrous
Few: inadequate/ rare/ scarce/ insufficient/ meagre/ scant.
Quick: prompt/ rapid/ swift.
Rich: wealthy/ prosperous.
Smell (good): fragrance/ aroma/ aromatic
Smell (bad): Odour / stench
Language measures perception, imagination and verbal intelligence. Study it, learn it to cut edges and measure depths, stimulate senses and succinctly prescribe desired meaning.
Above all, its fla vour must give the listener or reader joy and inspiration.
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