LL-L "Language proficiency" 2011.02.23 (01) [EN]

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L O W L A N D S - L - 23 February 2011 - Volume 01
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From: Roger Thijs, Euro-Support, Inc. <roger.thijs at euro-support.be>
Subject: LL-L Language proficiency



Some people are reluctant to make the step from passive knowledge of a
language to actively using it. I guess they are too much afraid of making
mistakes. However this step in behaviour is necessary



A case:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/supremecourtjustices/2011-02-23-RWthomas22_ST_N.htm

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas hit a milestone Tuesday by not asking
a single question during the morning's oral arguments. It has been five
years since Thomas uttered a question to a lawyer arguing a case.

..  Thomas, 62, has given many explanations through the years for his
unwillingness to speak up during the hour-long sessions that supplement the
written briefs submitted in a case.

"I had grown up speaking a kind of dialect," Thomas, who was born in Pin
Point, Ga., and raised by his grandparents in nearby Savannah, told a group
of students in 2000. Classmates "used to make fun of us. ... I just started
developing the habit of listening. ... I didn't ask questions in college or
law school. I could learn better just listening."



Regards,

Roger



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