Never too late to learn

I didn't intend writing about this. But an open letter to Michael Gove (Education Secretary) from an English and Maths teacher, Chris Edwards (C.E.) that I came across this morning, has churned me up. In part because of the extent of my feelings regarding what Michael Gove is getting up to within the UK education system.  But also because of the inferences about attitude towards 'learning a language' that the letter raises. Hope you have a moment to read it via the link.

C.E. works in a school of 530 students, where thirty six languages are spoken and where over 41% of the students have English as their second language. Sometimes it's their third language. Most of them haven't had great starts in life. Others are on a special educational needs register. C.E. talks of his student's inexhaustible determination to do well; of their thirst for knowledge; how they attended every revision session provided and still requested more, leading to some of the teachers having to put video lessons on YouTube, to quench the never-ending demand for information.

Learning a language I'm sure is easier when you're young and at school. If then you follow through with a career that uses that language and which perhaps takes you to live and work in that country - even better. Being surrounded by it, hearing it, reading it, speaking it - absorbing it in other words, makes a huge difference to understanding and confidence. I had a friend at school with a gift for languages. She left speaking six fluently. A career in languages beckoned. Ultimately she worked for a department in the U.N. during which she had to learn Norwegian. She did this in a week. Fluent and confident, she was able to write key strategy documents in Norwegian and then translate them into French, German, Russian, English, Spanish and Italian.

I'm not like that. Spanish and French were my two languages at school. I didn't shine in either, but did well enough to get through O-levels. I've never used Spanish again. French too was heading in the same direction until twenty years ago with about three days notice, I was sent to France to work with a French theatre company for two weeks. Panicking to get past 'Bonjour' and 'Au revoir',  I crammed French and technical theatre French and arrived not knowing how I was going to manage. Somehow I did. I was offered a job when I finished uni., 3 months later and then lived a half and half life with the UK and France, for three years. Mike would visit every weekend when I was working in France. I taught myself French. As now, I heard the language and spoke it every day with the added incentive that I needed it for my career. When that job finished, I was determined not to forget what I'd learnt, so kept reading and writing in French. We'd long had the idea of having a place of our own in France. So there was a goal in sight, which kept me motivated. Four years on there's still lots to learn, I still make mistakes, but I'm fluid and can hold my own pretty much anywhere and in any situation. I probably put aside an hour each day working on French in some form or other. Mike isn't as confident/fluid as me, but with the additional encouragement of our neighbours, he is coming on in leaps and bounds and his understanding is excellent.

Chinon has a fair number of cultures living either full-time resident or half and half. Other European countries have a reputation for languages. The Dutch for example. The British on the other hand, not all, but certainly too many, make the mistake of thinking they can live in France, not speak French and it won't be noticed. The issue of learning the language of the country you live in isn't just for the British. I think it's for anyone contemplating a move to another country. We all have different reasons for moving as well. For example, I'm not a refugee. I'm not seeking political asylum. I'm not marrying a national. Mike and I were free to make our choice. Regardless of status, it's a question of what you do when you get there.

What keeps cropping up in conversation with neighbours, wine producers and shop owners, is the underlying disapproval of the British who live in France full-time, and make absolutely no attempt to learn the language. From time to time we come across Brits who are like this. We've met two couples fairly recently where in both instances it is the wife who has refused to learn French. The husband wants to, but won't on his own. So doesn't. Both couples live in villages and properties that are fairly remote, are surrounded by French neighbours and spend most of their time looking for other Brits to socialise with. A third couple we met for the first time earlier in the year have lived here for twenty years and barely speak a word. All of them miss out on so much. It's a shame considering that Chinon offers French classes, I believe for free. It's a legal requirement. But so often it's not taken up, at least not by the British.

There are French/Anglo groups in Chinon, which we go to from time to time. Too often the Brits come along, knowing the conversation is in French and start another in English. Sometimes with a different subject from the one everyone else is discussing. They are always asked to stop. But the point is, why do they think this is a reasonable way to behave? I should add not all the Brits do this. There are some British in Chinon and surrounding villages who are so fed up with this attitude, that they will not socialise with any English people, only French people. If they hear an English voice, they literally move away from it.

We've thought long and hard about our own take on this 'problem', and we've reluctantly come to a decision. Those Brits who live here full-time and make an effort, want to learn and socialise with their French neighbours - those people we're happy to meet up with. But those who flatly refuse to even try and expect everyone - including the French - to speak English - we are now keeping at arm's length. Their approach is one we don't understand, can't accept and won't defend.

All of which brings me back to Chris Edwards. In the letter he refers to the work ethic shown by students to overcome their language barriers as being ' breathtaking and awe-inspiring'. There are a few adults over here who need an injection of enthusiasm and dedication.  It really is never too late to learn. And the French are so delighted, kind and helpful when you try.