what would you do?

Learning English as an adult, after growing up in a society where the language was hardly spoken, is tough. I see it in Koreans who come in droves to the Philippines for the sole purpose of studying English.

They learn English as early as in elementary school, but lessons are limited to grammar -- and spoken English doesn't go beyond the "hello-how-are-you-fine-thank-you-and-you?" lines. In other words, Koreans generally have a good grasp of grammar, but conversation is a whole new ballgame.

I discovered not long ago that another reason for the Philippines' being a favorite destination for those wanting to learn English is that it's the only country where one-on-one language classes are offered. Hence, this plus cheap education have made our islands a favored stepping-stone for Koreans and other Asians who aim to improve their English communication skills, before moving on to Australia, Canada or wherever they choose to head to next.

There's no question about the sense of fulfillment that comes with being able to help others improve their language skills. But what do you do if in the process of teaching them, they end up making use of illegally produced materials? You know those materials could be instrumental in fast-tracking their learning; what's more, practically everyone (to your knowledge) suggests buying those materials. But you're aware that in doing so, you're contributing to a big problem instead of providing a solution.

It's amazing how many of us take our facility in English for granted. Who would have thought that those English subtitles in DVDs could spell the difference for some people between totally getting the plot and being clueless about the story (that had never crossed my mind till recently)? Hence, the Korean students are prescribed with the all-too-accessible DVDs that can be bought for 50 bucks a piece.

Let me go on a rundown on what happens here. Our country becomes a haven for other Asians (tourists and students alike). Those Asians become interested in learning English. Asian business people see an opportunity to strike gold and open English language schools in our country. Such schools mushroom all over the place. The non-Filipino business people need teachers and thus hire Filipinos (of course). Unemployment and low wages are at an all-time high, and the business people know this. They hire the Filipinos and pay them meager salaries. No complaints (or nothing voiced out at least) since a little money is better than nothing. Then come the teaching materials -- including illegally produced DVDs that are part of the big piracy problem that is draining our economy and sending numerous individuals and legal establishments into unemployment (people) and closure (companies like video shops). The teachers endorse, the students buy. Fast forward.... the students go back to their countries, armed with new language skills and increased confidence in their ability to communicate effectively. We Filipinos are left here, with worse problems. One of them -- the piracy problem getting deeper and giving the already sorry state of our economy a heavier black eye.

Does this seem even just a bit like we're the ones creating more problems for our country?

In the meantime, I'm in a dilemma with one of my students. He's hardworking, bright and eager to learn. This weekend he's supposed to buy a DVD player in Greenhills and some DVD titles in Quiapo. I had suggested watching Shrek and a host of entertaining and helpful flicks, adding that I had copies of my own which he's most welcome to borrow. "If you borrow my copy, that means one less pirated CD you'll be buying," I quietly told him during one class. He understood and seemed grateful for the offer, but I doubt it if he'll oblige.

I proposed another counter-measure. "Okay, if you decide to buy a pirated DVD, try to do something to compensate for that. You can do something good for someone -- anything, for anyone. It's like making up for patronizing people who engage in illegal business. Do you get what I mean?" He did. Whether or not he puts it into practice depends on him.

I didn't plan for this ranting to be aimless. Hopefully I'll get comments as to what more I can do. It just seems like no one is concerned about a problem that looks trivial but is actually not.