What is that expression? Flying by the seat of one’s pants? Hitting the ground running? On our first day we observe two English lessons at the local secondary school. These consist of verbal chanting and exercises by a teacher whose English needs work. Six teachers sit at the back of the class. We are given the exercise book and told to rise up in front of fifty startled fourteen year old children, underneath the formidable portrait of Ho Chi Minh, to start teaching.

 

Have me and Peter ever co-operated so intensely before? Have we ever communicated with such clarity?

We are English? Are you English?

We will model questions and answers.

We rove the classroom, throwing our voice clearly;

Peter, where are you from?

I am from England, Deidre

Peter,are you Vietnamese?

No, Deidre, I am not Vietnamese. I am English.

Our simple questions prove ineffective.

 

Peter, are you wearing a dress? (pointing to picture of dress)

No, Deidre I am not wearing a dress.

Peter, what are you wearing?

I am wearing trousers.

 

Children, are you English?

Their answer is musical and unwavering.

‘Are you English?’

‘No, (I point to them) Are you English? Clear questionning look.

Reply: ‘Are you English?

Hm. This is a challenge. The never ending question.