Letters - Saudis and the English language

Saudis and the English language

This refers to the column “Saudis in foreign universities and English language” (June 8). Indeed, as an international language, English carries weight globally, and mastery over this language can open up good avenues for anybody. The concept that the English language is a complex language is a misconception. If one works on it untiringly, it becomes easier. If anybody wants to improve his language, he or she must devote an hour daily to its study, and in less than a year one can have mastery over this language. Also, learning 25 words a day is a good idea. A correct sense of grammar also plays a major role in understanding English.
A person cannot be fluent in a language if he/she does not have the correct knowledge of grammar rules. It has been observed that many Saudis do speak and write good English, though their first language is Arabic. The question is: How did they achieve mastery over this language? The answer is simple: knowledge of correct grammar and a strong vocabulary. Apart from this, reading good English newspapers and listening to good English news channels can play a pivotal role in understanding and improving the English language. Saudis in foreign universities need not panic; they can improve and gain mastery over this beautiful language by devoting one hour to it along with their university studies. — Anees Lokhadne, Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia


A symbol of moral courage

Once again, the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) has demonstrated his legendary moral courage by summoning his own son to his court. In the historic moment when the accused was standing in the highest court of the land, the CJP declared that it is not his son who is standing in front of him but an ordinary person named Arslan. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry is a beacon of light in a sea of darkness spread across all institutions of Pakistan.
He is trying to bring the big fish to justice and stem the massive corruption so prevalent in higher echelons of power. In the process, he has made many powerful enemies who see the CJP as a threat to their vested interests.
There is yet another group of people, who find fault with whatever Chaudhry does, just because he stood against their favorite corrupt leaders like Musharraf, Zardari, Gilani etc. On the contrary, my countrymen should support this towering historical personality who sometimes seems alone in his relentless fight against the state›s high-handedness and corruption. — Liaqat Ali, Jubail


CBSE topper

The recently declared senior secondary (Grade XII) examination results of CBSE has brought joy to many and sorrows to a few. Those who qualified these exams with flying colors were seen blowing their trumpets and those who could not qualify were seen blaming the system and their destiny. In such a multitude of students, there emerged an achiever from a very poor background and from a remote area of Lilong Haoreibi village in the Thoubal District, around 20 km from Imphal in India.
Mohammed Ismat, the only male child among seven siblings of a family with limited resources, belonging to the troubled state of Manipur, became the first ever all-India topper in the CBSE exam from that region. His 75-year-old father Bashirur Rahman was a primary schoolteacher.
He hardly had enough money to pay the examination fee of his son. Ismat was at the verge of dropping out from school when a teacher, Mr. Singh, came in his life like a savior, financially supporting him to continue his studies. Ismat›s will and determination resulted in his success. He is an example for all students facing some or the other form of difficulties. — Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Jubail