Yesterday, my students sat for their English essay paper. Since I was the one who set the questions, I had to do my rounds to make sure there were enough question papers (and hoping that there were no mistakes that I might have mislooked). As I was doing my rounds, I could not help but look at some of the students' answers. To my horror, quite a number did not know how to write an informal letter! Many did not even remember their own home address!Instantaneously, my knees went weak and I was suffocating. I decided to make my move before the school authorities had to call an ambulance.
On my way to the teachers' room, my mind was spinning. I was cracking my brain looking for logical deductions on why they could not produce a simple letter. The reason why I set the question to be letter-writing ( with extra words) is to help the weaker students and how wrong I was for assuming that it would be a bonus for the better half ! As usual, my boggled-mind produced verbal frustration. As I commented on the issue, one of the English teachers finally came out with the answer. She looked at me, with her cute smile and said, "Chekgu, they do not write letters now. They have e-mails." I was left speechless!
On my way home, the incident had sparked something. I was wondering whether to blame the technology or my teaching techniques. Is it fair to blame technology when nowadays, everyone wants everything to be done as fast as possible? Gone were the days where one would impatiently wait for that handwritten letters or more commonly referred as 'snail mails'. I still remembered my days in the Queen's land-the time I longingly waited for letters from those back home. Although they carried simple, daily happenings, deep down I knew those letters were written with love and care. You would only write to those who are dear to your heart.
During my younger years, letter writing was handled with care. Words were carefully chosen and even the type of paper and envelope used were taken into consideration. I used to refer to dictionaries to make sure that I used the most appropriate words when I was replying letters from home. Letters for my late Mak Long were specifically written using proper English for she spoke like the Queen of England herself! It was also very common to see that letters for someone special arrived with that sweet subtle smell with the address written using the best handwriting the sender could afford. Even the stamps used were well-cherished! In the present time frame, you can be certain that the arrival of Mr Postman means credit card bills and bank statements.
Unfortunately, the advancement of technology has unconsciously channel the art of letter writing to face extinction. This might be the reason why students find essay writing (be it in Malay, English or even Mandarin), to be a very daunting task. This matter is made worse when reading is no longer an exciting (and undoubtedly very beneficial) habit. Why should one read when there are computer games(like Playstation, X-Box and other easily-downloaded versions from the net-to name a few) to choose? Having SMS and MMS provided by various telecommunication companies do not help to ease the pain. Being so used of using 'short-cut' words, my students could not help from using the 'SMS lingo' when they are doing academic writing. As a true believer of "The words you use tell others what kind of person you are", I cannot tolerate this at all! So, please go back to proper reading and writing. As a chekgu, I believe that nothing can beat reading. One should never feel bored with reading. Read good novels(or other appropriate reading materials) and you will find writing to be a breeze.
Perhaps, we should go back to the old-fashioned letter writing. Go back to the time when one would take the effort to show that he or she cares for the loved ones simply by writing and sending letters. Perhaps, sending electronic cards should be banned after all. Spend some time to look for the best REAL cards to let all the precious people in your life know that you actually care. Real cards that they can keep and treasure. I know I do. I still keep all the Teacher's Day cards (and even wrapping papers) given by my students.
I know that it is ironic that I am now blogging - using what technology has provided. However, since I know many of my students are practically glued to their computers, I sincerely believe that I would get my message across. So, happy letter-writing and mind you, I am talking about the snail-mail!
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