I believe that the native speaker, the one who has been using a language since birth, and normally speaks no other, is the genuine representative of that language. She is subject to linguistic, grammatical, sociological, phonetical studies. The native speaker is grouped, divided geographically, tested and analized by experts. Native speakers set the standard by which we judge a language socientifically.
Nevertheless, foreigners who wish to acquire the native´s idiomatic skills must demand certain qualifications. Any native won´t do as a teacher.
1. "The native speaker must be literate." An illiterate native has a handicup as a teacher.
2. "The native must have an educational background, especially literary." A person who knows the literature, the history, geography, customs, etc. of her
country, where the language is spoken, will be more suitable. A background in chemistry won´t do.
3. "The native who acts as a teacher must be certified." His word will not sufice, and the possession of a diploma, degree, certificate or the like will help us make a choice. A degree is law won´t do.
4. "The native must be humble about his language" and realize and admit that language has no horizon, and no single person ever has all the answers.
5. "A native teacher must know languages." Each learner has different problems depending on the language she speaks. The instructor must know himself the problems his students are encountering.
Although I feel that 95 percent of native speakers are no good as teachers, the other 5 percent will do.
Is the above controversial or good? Or both?
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