I was recently posed this question. Actually it was a little tongue in cheek. A standard question that had to be asked to allow a tick to be placed against it. Naturally I had to say that I thought my English was probably OK.
It’s funny, I’ve graduated in the Earth Sciences and later in Computing Science, so an English major reading my posts would no doubt cringe at my oft-made mistakes.
Il parle la langue anglaise comme une vache espagnole
But that thought got me hunting. No not for an English language self help book. But for an old piece of paper. And I must give thanks to my parents, for putting up with my absences whilst doing my “world travels”. For putting up with me. And putting up with my absence even now (A British expat down under).
Yes, they kept my documents safe and sound, in a drawer in my old bedroom – safe from fire and water, pests and brothers (just kidding bro) and to some degree even the test of time.
No I’m not an Arts major, but this boy that I once was, sat an exam at the age of 15 and passed his English O’Level. Just about the first tick on a list of requirements that one would have to address in preparing for going to University. Neither of my parents had done so, or even stayed at school beyond the age of 15! The thought of higher education was a scary one. I recall my first day on campus, looking at the “rich kids” and thinking, “I don’t belong here!”.
That was all a long time ago, but I still recall planning my exit from Newport in Gwent, thoughts almost lost within this author’s mind.
Enough omphaloskepsis, so here’s that piece of paper, in case someone wants to ask that same question once again. And to remind yours truly that a dream did once come true.
