Sound Reasoning (A letter to The Times of Oman)

A few weeks back I noticed advertisements for a courseq1 promising amazing results in English learning in just one month in The Times of Oman. Except for the liberal use of interactive DVDs, it had all the makings of the charismatic language learning methods of the 70s, right down to the balding visionary guru. Advertising is one thing, but today the company’s press release was placed as an article in the paper. (With a limited readership in its media infancy, this is common practice here. PR paradise, I tell you.) I could not let this pass unchallenged. Here is what I hope to be a balanced viewpoint, sent to the Times’ Readers’ Forum.

In response to the article New English Learning Course Promises to Improve Skills (Times, 5 July 2008), I would like to welcome “The Sound Way” programme to the English Education field in Oman. I also believe your readers should know the facts about the state of the art of language learning, which this programme claims to embody.

Like in many human sciences, the jury is still out on the mysterious process of language acquisition. Yet even the feuding experts agree on one fact: the One-Size-Fits-All Silver Bullet Method for language learning does not exist. Mastery of a language, like that of any skill, takes passion, persistence and personalisation. Mastery of the English language does not cost RO 165 over one month: it costs true, fiery commitment over a lifetime.

I am certain that “The Sound Way” can provide a solid grounding in English learning for keen learners and will benefit many clients. However, they should know that mastery does not derive from a cutting-edge method or a charismatic expert teacher, but from the ongoing, reflective process of language learners themselves. And that is not for sale.