Re: articles

["Deany M. Cheramie" <ENGL-DMC@nich-nsunet.nich.edu>]

Cliff,

I've had the same problem with Non-native English speakers. I 
once worked as a consultant to an engineering firm (one summer 
between semesters) who had hired a group of engineers from 
Eastern Europe. I was told that the position was as a technical 
writing consultant. I actually spent most of my time there as a 
proofreader for these engineers. I'd feel so frustrated when 
they'd ask me why they had to use articles where I'd indicate and 
I couldn't tell them why. One czech fellow would look so confused 
and sad and just shake his head. He said the czech language did 
not have articles: "what useless thing." After that experience I 
just tell ESL students where the articles go, and tell them to 
read more English so they can become more familiar with how 
articles are used in writing.

deany


DEANY M. CHERAMIE
engl-dmc@nich-nsunet.nich.edu
504-448-4207
Dept. of English
Nicholls State University
PO Box 2023
Thibodaux, LA 70310   

TODAY'S QUOTE: "The surest way to be alone is to get married."  
                          -Gloria Steinem