'I No Speak Good Engrish' (by Eugene Cho)
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) confirmed that players' memberships would be suspended if they don't learn to speak English and pass an oral evaluation.
Yuck.
In reality, many believed it was inevitable because there are so many South Korean women (45) now on the LPGA tour, and truth be told, they're simply kicking some serious butt. On any given tournament, it's not surprising to see half of the leader board peppered with the names of Korean golfers. And while I know that there are 121 foreign players on the LPGA, this was indirectly aimed at the Korean golfers -- as evidenced by the "mandatory" meeting South Korean golfers had to attend recently.
The LPGA is a private association so they have the right to make certain policies, but suspending memberships isn't the answer. It's a double bogey.
The LPGA is an association that prides itself as being the premier women's golf tour in the world -- and rightfully so. This is why it attracts the greatest female golf players in the world. And as long as these international players meet the high LPGA "golfing standards," it doesn't seem right that they also have to pass a language exam.
But, wait -- according to LPGA officials, the international players were hurting the marketability, and thus the bottom-line Benjamins, of the LPGA.
Now, I'm not naïve. I understand this thing called the Benjamins, the mighty dollar, the bottom line, and the economics. So having said that, I fully agree and understand that players ought to learn and attempt to speak a certain level of English and assist in helping "market" the LPGA. But making it mandatory? Suspending their memberships, and thus their livelihoods?
When you make it mandatory, it stinks of the whole "colonialism" junk so many have complained about from Western powers: "Fit in or else."
Let me put it another way. What if the LPGA started a new policy where a weight limit was imposed on female golfers because LPGA officials complained that heavier golfers can't be marketed -- thus hurting the economics of the LPGA. Wouldn't we all raise a stink?
This reminds me of when the National Basketball Association (NBA) came down on some of its players several years ago because they didn't dress a certain way. It was a general policy, but it also seemed to be indirectly aimed at the younger black players.
So, we want you to be a part of the NBA -- we'll use you to market the NBA, we'll use you to elevate the game and competition, we'll use you to sell tickets, but we don't want you to look too black. Wear a suit. Take off the chains. Loosen the cornrows. Easy on the tattoos. Blah blah blah.
Fit in or else. Double bogey.
Enough of my nonsense. What do you think? Here's the article from ESPN:
The LPGA will require its member golfers to learn and speak English and will suspend their membership if they don't comply.
The new requirement, first reported by Golfweek on its Web site, was communicated to the tour's growing South Korean membership in a mandatory meeting at the Safeway Classic in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 20. Connie Wilson, the LPGA's vice president of communications, confirmed the new policy to ESPN.com.
Players were told by LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens that by the end of 2009, all players who have been on the tour for two years must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills or face a membership suspension. A written explanation of the policy was not given to players, according to the report.
Eugene Cho, a second-generation Korean-American, is the founder and lead pastor of Quest Church in Seattle, and the executive director of Q Cafe, an innovative nonprofit neighborhood café and music venue. He and his wife are also launching a grassroots humanitarian organization to fight global poverty. You can stalk him at his blog eugenecho.wordpress.com.
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Comments
I'm with you, Eugene.
Since golf originated in Scotland, why not make all pro golfers learn Gaelic? It would make about as much sense.
I'll certainly remember this if I'm ever invited to an LPGA event. Speaking of that, is there any chance for organized protest, such as maybe a boycott?
Peace,
Posted by: Don | August 27, 2008 12:24 PM
This is a ridiculous policy. Thanks for highlighting the absurdity of it. If I ever actually think about watching an LPGA event I’ll remember this.
Posted by: Eric | August 27, 2008 12:43 PM
It's a little more than marketability. Golf doesn't want to get away from it's high-end feel either. While they talk about bringing golf to the masses, they really do like that it's a country club type sport.
It's hard to portray that image if your winner can only stumble through an interview with, "Golf has been berry berry good to me." It can be said that Tiger Wood's story did as much for golf as his talent.
I really don't have a problem with this restriction. I don't see it as attacking a particular group as much as attacking what they see as a potential problem down the road.
I doubt I could work for a Korean company in Korea if I made it clear that I wouldn't learn Korean. It's one thing to disqualify someone from a single tournament because they cannot speak the language, but for a whole tour/long term association, seems reasonable to me.
I cannot wear flip flops at work, not because it's a safety issue, but because the Board of Directors doesn't like the thought of their staff wearing them. As long as the same rule applies to everyone, it's fair. Does that give people who've never owned a pair of flip flops an advantage?
Posted by: frankie | August 27, 2008 1:05 PM
This is really simple: if the LPGA wants its players to speak English, the players will speak English. It's their organization and they get to decide.
Why not see this as a helping hand to the non-English speaking players? English is the world's language, like it or not.
I have spent time in Africa, South America and Europe. In each of the places I've visited the people wanted to speak English (well, except in Paris...) and did what they had to do to learn it.
The LPGA needs to work this from the helping-hand position, which it is.
And guess what: if the players don't like it they don't have to play. I know someone will say that sounds harsh, but it's true.
Posted by: Chris | August 27, 2008 1:20 PM
I doubt I could work for a Korean company in Korea if I made it clear that I wouldn't learn Korean.
I don't think the issue is that these Korean golfers refuse to learn English. And Eugene wrote that he thinks they should at least try: "I fully agree and understand that players ought to learn and attempt to speak a certain level of English..."
I would agree with that. The problem here is that the LPGA is trying to market women's professional golf as an international sport. But at the same time they claim they want to recruit the best players from around the world, they now say that they want the players to learn English up to a certain level of fluency (as evidenced by the language exam). It sounds to me like a cake-and-eat-it-too position on their part.
Don't forget that it's never easy for adults to become fluent in another language, and English is one of the more difficult languages to learn as an adult. If they're serious about wanting non-English-speaking golfers to become fluent, why not hire some ESL tutors to come along on the tour? They could schedule tutoring sessions during off-hours or during travel time. That could help take care of the language problem.
But maybe, as Eugene suggests, they're really envious because these Korean women are providing some serious competition.
Peace,
Posted by: Don | August 27, 2008 1:24 PM
a couple more thoughts & i'll move aside for you nice folks to hack away:
Two more [big] reasons why this bothers me is because I feel like the Asian culture is being misunderstood and worse, possibly manipulated. In the past, the LPGA and some of the “other” golfers complained about the “lack of personality” of the Korean golers and wanted them to be more engaging? But what if the Korean culture has a different perspective on “engagement”?
Personal example: Growing up in Korea, I was taught that avoiding direct eye contact with adults and elders were a sign of great respect. When I came to the states, teacher after teacher kept hammering me - verbally and occasionally, through grades - at my deficient social skills. Even now, I have to intentionally make eye contact because it’s not my natural inclination. I have to because most Westerners will do some sort of weird psychoanalysis about my depravity and weakness as a leader because of my “visual” dis-acuity.
Secondly, most of the Korean LPGA players will not make a big deal out of this because this is what the dominant Korean/Confucian culture dictates: Be calm and quiet. Be passive. Don’t bring attention to yourself. Don’t shame your country. But my hunch: if there were 45 international French or Italian players on the LPGA tour that didn’t speak English, I don’t believe this becomes a mandatory policy.
The Korean golfers bring so much depth and excellence to the LPGA tour. It’s not a one sided benefit. While it is true that individuals can choose to join or not, I can tell you with absolute certainty that if all 45 Korean golfers left the LPGA, it would not be what it is because they simply wouldn’t have the best golfers in the world.
LPGA: I’m sorry that these “international players” aren’t like Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Morgan Pressel or Erica Blasberg [who hasn't won a single event and only has a single Top 10 finish but happens to be the face for Puma's global golf marketing campaign. Hmm, I wonder why?].
You won't get a single "international" golfer that is going to protest the request to learn and attempt to use English, but "speak or else?"
C'mon.
Posted by: eugene cho | August 27, 2008 1:30 PM
Slow week at Sojo.
With all that is happening in the world or just Denver. We are rredused to talking about the LPGA and their requirement for members to know english it they are going to play. I believe that they are only in charge of games in the USA and maybe Canada.
So - the other answer is to require the LPGA to have duo-language staff in all languages because you never know when you might get someone to join from Lower Slabovia. How many wonmen are we talking about - 50, maybe 200 at best?
If I was going to play a sport professionally, (I know - that would be a sight) in another country like Sweden. I would want to learn the language if for no other reason to show respect and to be able to go to the store - cafe - gym and be able to communicate with the people.
Tourist - most countries that are attracting tourists are making it easier for people to get around their country. Most business that what to reach out to the global market or bring the market to their country are making it easier.
When in Rome - do as the Romans do - kill a Christian. JUST KIDDING. Learn the language and have a great time with the people.
All the Time - God is Good
.
Posted by: big guy | August 27, 2008 1:44 PM
I'm sorry you feel misunderstood. We don't think you're depraved, we just think you're distant when you don't look us in the eye. I've worked with a lot of Koreans and as cultures go -- we can mix pretty well.
"More engaging" is very hard to achieve with a language barrier. We cannot bond to your golf celebrities if reporters cannot interview them. If viewers bond to celebrities, they will get endorsements and advertising. Michael Phelps' mother made such a great interview that she had a HUGE role in making him a celebrity.
Admittedly, Asians are probably the last frontier in American advertising. I think it's still viewed as the other side of the world. Why Kristy Yamaguchi didn't get more endorsements is one of the great mysteries of our times. But, I'm not defending American advertising.
And should "international golfers" protest this, they wouldn't get a lot of sympathy. Who would see them as not having the resources to learn English? It's like computer companies used to pay to train you in computer programs, but now they expect new employees to bring those skills to the position.
Posted by: frankie | August 27, 2008 2:10 PM
Sorry, but I think that once again Sojourners is trying to put a politically correct spin on an issue that simply isn't that complex. Professional golf is a business, and the profitability of the business depends upon the marketability of the professionals. The marketability of the professionals depends in part upon the ability of the professionals to interact somewhat comfortably with the American media: to do interviews without a translator, to give acceptance speeches, to make comments in promo ads, etc. That's why the LPGA has imposed this rule. Note also that the LPGA has offered to provide tutors.
Here in America, we should indeed welcome everyone. But conversely, anyone who comes here should show some respect for the host culture. The same would apply if I were to choose to compete in some Korean baseball league.
Posted by: Bill | August 27, 2008 2:13 PM
It doesn't surprise me that LGPA would come up with such an exclusionary rule as this one.
Exclusivity is the big reason why golf will never be an Olympic sport.
http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1830966,00.html
Traditionally in America, golf has been a game associated with the elite classes, played by rich white males, hobnobbing with each other and closing business deals in a pastoral setting.
Private country clubs practice racial, ethnic, religious and class discrimination to preserve the ambiance of a carefree sanctuary away from the struggling masses.
Until not too long ago golf was spelled Gentleman Only, Ladies Forbidden.
The Golf "community" has come a long way from their traditional, anti egalitarian, exclusionary rules but they still have a long way to go.
The UN estimates golf courses use 2.5 billion gallons of clean water daily, enough to provide fresh drinking water for 4.7 billion people. Toxic chemicals are used intensively on golf courses as insecticides and herbicides, which pollute watersheds and ravage bird populations.
Personally I have no use for golf.
Golf is boring to watch on teevee, takes way too much time to play a round and I'm terrible at it.
You can have have more fun playing billiards and there's a lot more skill involved.
Posted by: justintime | August 27, 2008 2:21 PM
@Bill,
Yeah, these female International golfers are really really disrespectful.
They will be the very reason for the downfall of the morality in the United States.
Posted by: DD | August 27, 2008 2:24 PM
I believe that the bottom line of this is that we need to declare 'ENGLISH' as the official language of the United States. French is to France - German is to Germany - it's time. My uncle twice in his career when to other countries to work there in his industry to help the host country. Each time he and my aunt went through intense language learning so that they could communicate with the people that they were living with. Yes - they did find people that spoke english there and were helpful in assisting some of the people in the host country to learn english so that they could work in a country where english was the donimant language.
Is anyone at Wallisville going to write about Denver????
All the Time - God is Good
.
Posted by: big guy | August 27, 2008 2:25 PM
Wait a minute! What constitutes "good English" here? Speaking without an accent? Speaking with perfect syntax? The white, American-born women on the team had better not be giving interviews saying "you know" and "like" in every sentence. Too many native-born Americans don't even respect their own English language enough to speak it well, but gripe about the mistakes of immigrants who are actually trying to learn it.
Posted by: I and I | August 27, 2008 2:30 PM
I don't think Eugene is suggesting that they boycott the English lessons or altogether, refuse to speak English. Many, if not all of them, already take English lessons and have tutors - way before this BS policy was announced.
But to suspend their membership and thus, their livelihood and passion?
Posted by: DD | August 27, 2008 2:46 PM
Nice blog
Posted by: Article-Magazine.org | August 27, 2008 3:00 PM
believe that the bottom line of this is that we need to declare 'ENGLISH' as the official language of the United States.
Yeah, we haven't had an official language for any of the 232 years of our independence. What would making it official now accomplish, especially since much of the world is trying to learn English as a second language? IF in the wisdom of our nation's founders we didn't need an official language then, why do we need one now?
French is to France
I dare you to say that to the Bretons, the Basques, the Provençals, the Catalans, the Dutch-speakers near the Belgian border, and the German-speaking Alsatians, many of whom--especially the Bretons and Basques, were living there and speaking their own languages long before anyone spoke French. The French government's official "French only" policy is forcing these people to give up their own ancestral languages, and they are subject to other kinds of discrimination as well. So much for making someone's language "official".
Posted by: Don | August 27, 2008 3:07 PM
I have to say I was surprised when I learned about this new policy. I live less than a mile from the Oakland Hills Country Club where the Men's PGA Championship was hosted just a couple of weeks ago. There were many international visitors, including players. I can tell you that the only language anyone cared about was "green" (i.e. money). I do believe that we, as a country, should standardize on English for the sake of commerce, but my Slovak grandmother might chide me for that. She loved and contributed to this country without ever speaking English.
This is a free country. We should respect the rights of people to speak any language they choose. By the same token, those who choose not to speak English should understand that they may be limited in terms of what they can achieve, a limitation that my grandmother both understood and accepted.
Posted by: Dan | August 27, 2008 3:36 PM
FYI at the time of our nation's founding there was discussion of establishing a national language. They decided against it, in part because there were enough Germans in the former colonies that there was a good argument for German as the national language.
Posted by: Ruth | August 27, 2008 3:42 PM
They decided against [establishing an official language], in part because there were enough Germans in the former colonies...
So by analogy, that would be an excellent argument against doing so today.
I still don't know what it would accomplish, other than pandering to the neo-Know-Nothings among us. It won't encourage anyone to learn English who isn't already motivated to learn English.
I do believe that we, as a country, should standardize on English for the sake of commerce...
But that's already true. What could we do to "standardize on English for the sake of commerce" that we aren't already doing? Sure, some businesses--like my bank--offer services in Spanish, but that's just a smart free-market business decision.
Peace,
Posted by: Don | August 27, 2008 3:50 PM
"Let me put it another way. What if the LPGA started a new policy where a weight limit was imposed on female golfers because LPGA officials complained that heavier golfers can't be marketed -- thus hurting the economics of the LPGA. Wouldn't we all raise a stink?"
No. If you haven't noticed the cheesecake posters and appearances and websites, the reality is that this is already the de facto practice.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 27, 2008 4:08 PM
Personally I have no use for golf.
Golf is boring to watch on teevee, takes way too much time to play a round and I'm terrible at it.
You can have have more fun playing billiards and there's a lot more skill involved.
Posted by: justintime | August 27, 2008 2:21 PM
Hey, Justy! How be ye!
There was a time when I enjoyed a round of golf, although I usually had to stick to the few nine-hole courses within an hour's drive. Once in awhile, I found the time and energy—along with the spare money—to patronize the local driving range. But nothing could match the challenge of a reasonable substitute for a "Championship Golf Course selected for a Major Tournament".
A long time ago, I had to give up any dreams of playing golf in a round that really mattered, but I managed to play the only round that really mattered in my life; I finally played a round with my father-in-law before he died. We needed a cart—something I had never really needed before. All the more intimate, as we proceeded from one ball to another; I never felt so close to a father as I did that day.
I have had a biological father, a step-father and a father-in-law, but I can never deny that my real father is the Father of US ALL!
Still, I must say that my Father-in-law was a man among men, and I would honored to meet one such as him again.
Amen.
Posted by: Hermes | August 27, 2008 4:19 PM
If they really are trying to be international, say, like tennis is, then this shouldn't be an issue at all. Not all tennis players can speak fluent English, nor are they all required to be fluent in the language of any of the countries they play in. And yet, somehow, some way, by some amazing miracle, they are able to play their game.
So, what I take from that is that speaking English apparently has nothing to do with one's ability to play tennis. I doubt very much that it is a major handicap for one's golf game, either.
Posted by: squeaky | August 27, 2008 4:29 PM
My point in saying if I took a job in Korea I'd have to learn Korean was not to say that Korean golfers were refusing to learn. My point is that they should not be insulted in any way by the requirement.
They aren't requiring good English -- there's a test they give -- no need to make it more than it is.
Besides, it's for the good of the golfers. I would hate to sign a contract written in English if I didn't speak English, or play a game where the rules were written in English if I did not understand English. And I would hate to sign a contract that was poorly translated into Korean.
Posted by: frankie | August 27, 2008 4:34 PM
You can have have more fun playing billiards and there's a lot more skill involved.
And sour grapes make for bad whine.
Posted by: aaron | August 27, 2008 5:18 PM
Seems kind of strange , but I guess they are really concerned with their public image and ability to get sponsors . In Seattle we have a pro base ball team that has quite a few players who can not speak English .
I remember thinking how unfair I thought it was when my daughter was turned down for a job she needed after their new baby because she could not speak spanish In San Diego .
But anyone who can two putt consistently I have to admit I find it harder to feel bad for .
Posted by: Michael | August 27, 2008 5:18 PM
You can have have more fun playing billiards and there's a lot more skill involved.
And sour grapes make for bad whine.
You might be right about that, Aaron
Posted by: justintime | August 27, 2008 5:25 PM
Discrimination is discrimination. While it would be good if all spoke a common language, it should not be required. It is not called the English Language Professional Golf Association, it is the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
This is a matter for the ACLU to get involved in because it could just as well be applied to Americans who are deaf or who speak English as a second language who are Native born, such as Navajo or Nanook.
Posted by: Paul, seeking wisdom | August 27, 2008 5:39 PM
When I participated in a chaplaincy training program where the emphasis was upon our own development as people and as pastors, one of our group of four was a Korean man. His English was fine.
But there was a great deal of emphasis on confrontation, direct critique, "This is how I feel about you" interaction that was agony for Yeo. He had a hard time with eye contact. He was respectful and it was nearly impossible for him to violate that by participating in our sometimes rancorous discussions. Until he explained the cultural differences to us, we viewed him as emotionally deficient. Turns out he wasn't; the rest of us were.
I speak another language and live in a community where both languages are used, and what's communicated is far more about culture than objective information. I'd be a poorer person without being able to see a bigger picture.
The emphasis on English only has a great deal to do with an American image of superiority, and of resistance to the idea that, if someone needs to broaden his or her horizon, it ought to be someone else.
My grandfather grew up around Chicago in a German-as-a-first-language community. Other ancestors have been in this country since the continent formed, speaking some version of English that and speaking one form of English or another that doesn't always make sense to me. I haven't seen them offer any more to this country or the cultures than any of the immigrants.
Posted by: openeyes | August 27, 2008 5:39 PM
There's an LPGA?
"This reminds me of when the National Basketball Association (NBA) came down on some of its players several years ago because they didn't dress a certain way. It was a general policy, but it also seemed to be indirectly aimed at the younger black players."
Not really. The white players didn't dress any better. The dress code (like any dress code) is intended to convey professionalism. It was also imposed as an effort to reorient to focus from injured players to those participating in the game.
Posted by: kevin s. | August 27, 2008 6:25 PM
It's a golf league -- not a foreign relations committee. It's not being discriminatory.
How many foreign tennis players get endorsements in America? That one super-model blonde is the only one I can think of.
If I want to get a job in a nearby Spanish speaking community chopping onions, I can apply for that. If that company requires that I speak Spanish, they are allowed to do that. Say it's a family business and everyone else on the premises speaks Spanish. They are not required to teach me Spanish just because I want to work there. The responsibility would be on me to learn Spanish and apply again when I am qualified.
Posted by: U TOO | August 27, 2008 7:05 PM
Ok. Many of you folks don't think it's discriminatory. I suggest the LPGA these changes:
1. Change their name to Ladies American Professional Golf Association.
2. Don't change rules in the middle once you've realized the greatest golfers are non-English speaking.
3. Since the policy is changed, NEVER ask the international players to help promote the LAPGA in their respective countries.
"How many foreign tennis players get endorsements in America? That one super-model blonde is the only one I can think of."
One? Are you kidding me?
Posted by: DD | August 27, 2008 8:39 PM
There's an LPGA?
Kevin, I'm surprised that you never heard of the LPGA! You never heard of Nancy Lopez or Annika Sörenstam? But maybe golf isn't your thing?
The LPGA ladies had a tournament in my home town every year, beginning when I was in high school. Lopez won a couple of times back in those days.
You have heard of the WNBA, right?
D
Posted by: Don | August 27, 2008 9:12 PM
Have you ever heard a golf game?
(Insert the sound of expensive leather shoes padding across the green...and then, crickets....)
NO ONE speaks!
The language requirement is clearly absurd, and racist, to boot.
Posted by: JH | August 27, 2008 10:29 PM
Is there any evidence that Big Bertha speak English?
Posted by: canucklehead | August 28, 2008 12:49 AM
They have requirements for working for their company?
What?
What's next? Companies requiring employees know how to use computers? Graduate high school? Be literate?
Posted by: DITE | August 28, 2008 2:17 AM
"I doubt I could work for a Korean company in Korea if I made it clear that I wouldn't learn Korean."
Don't. You could most definitely work for a Korean company in Korea without learning Korean. Matter of fact, I'm doing it this very second. I think I heard somewhere that the largest minority in Korea is "foreign English teacher", but even so there are a good number of non-Korean, only-English speaking people from English speaking countries here working outside of the English teaching profession.
I do think it's kind of strange that this specific post about the LPGA made it to the blog when there are much more important Korean topics like the issue of Dokdo or anything about Lee Myung Bak's valiant attempts to get himself impeached--or the Korean equivalent.
Posted by: Robb | August 28, 2008 6:03 AM
"I doubt I could work for a Korean company in Korea if I made it clear that I wouldn't learn Korean."
Don't. You could most definitely work for a Korean company in Korea without learning Korean. Matter of fact, I'm doing it this very second. I think I heard somewhere that the largest minority in Korea is "foreign English teacher", but even so there are a good number of non-Korean, only-English speaking people from English speaking countries here working outside of the English teaching profession.
I do think it's kind of strange that this specific post about the LPGA made it to the blog when there are much more important Korean topics like the issue of Dokdo or anything about Lee Myung Bak's valiant attempts to get himself impeached--or the Korean equivalent.
Posted by: Robb | August 28, 2008 6:04 AM
If the LPGA wanted to teach people Korean, I'm sure they have plenty of golfers to pick from.
It's not discriminatory because its basic employment law in this country. Language and communication is considered essential for doing business, so if a company wants to put language restrictions on it, they can.
Posted by: U TOO | August 28, 2008 10:09 AM
"It's not discriminatory because its basic employment law in this country. Language and communication is considered essential for doing business, so if a company wants to put language restrictions on it, they can."
And how, exactly, does the inability to speak English affect one's golf game?
Language and communication certainly is essential for doing business in many jobs, but is sports one of those jobs? Golf isn't even a team sport, so who does the Korean golfer need to communicate in order to golf better? Her caddy, who probably is also Korean. What's the problem?
In an age where players from all over the world are recruited to play on US sports teams, the communication issue has apparently not been that much of a problem. Ichiro could barely speak English when he joined the Mariners. No problem. Many basketball players from other nations who play for the NBA came without speaking English, and yet they weren't held out until their English improved. Somehow they were able to communicate effectively with their teammates in a sport that requires much more communication than golf.
The question becomes why does the LPGA think it is so important, when it has absolutely nothing to do with playing golf? Are they about golf, or are they about image? They should be about golf, and if they are about image, they should reexamine their own passions. Image is being elevated to the point it sacrifices the sport, and that is truly sad.
It should be about the love of the game, and the joy in watching a player who is truly good at what they do. If someone rocks the course, who really cares if they can speak English? Their playing does all the talking that is required.
Posted by: squeaky | August 28, 2008 10:49 AM
Does Major League Baseball require Latin American ballplayers to learn English? or players from Japan? I seem to remember watching Ichiro Suzuki speaking through an interpreter but maybe my memory is faulty.
Posted by: carl copas | August 28, 2008 11:36 AM
If the National Hockey League had such an English-only rule, they'd have to tell all those French-speaking Canadians to go home. Not to mention the Russians, Czechs, Norwegians, and Finns that they have recruited in more recent years.
Posted by: Don | August 28, 2008 11:50 AM
Here's an opinion column on the topic, from Fox Sports:
http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/8498524?MSNHPHMA
Posted by: Don | August 28, 2008 3:46 PM
I find it telling that so many of the people who have posted comments here in favor of the English-or-else rule have actually committed a number of grammatical and spelling errors in their posts.
Posted by: jasmine | August 28, 2008 4:34 PM
jasmine:
LOL!
Posted by: Don | August 28, 2008 5:20 PM
jasmine--heh-heh
Posted by: squeaky | August 28, 2008 6:55 PM
jasmine--heh-heh
Posted by: squeaky | August 28, 2008 6:55 PM
Don,
I looked very briefly at the link you provided and some of the comments. It seems a lot of posters are equating playing in the LPGA with obtaining US citizenship.
Maybe some here are as well--it's not an issue of citizenship, it's an issue of sportsmanship...
Posted by: squeaky | August 28, 2008 7:01 PM
Squeaky, I didn't look at the comments posted below Mark Kriegel's column, but you're right.
For some reason, when "foreign language" or "non-English speaking" is mentioned in America, our collective fear meter spikes. I'm not sure what's so fearful about people who don't speak English. And you're right, these LPGA ladies aren't applying for US citizenship (or trying to live and work here illegally). So what's the big deal?
Posted by: Don | August 28, 2008 7:18 PM
The key is that the LPGA markets itself as international. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that there are many languages spoken in the world. Golfers should be evaluated by their ability at the sport, not by their fluency in the language of an imperial power. I think they're upset at how well the Koreans are doing, and so imposed a new requirement in order to favor Americans and other native English speakers. This is racism.
Posted by: Bill Samuel | September 4, 2008 2:17 PM
1. "sojo is having a slow day"
i disagree. as a Korean-American, this issue hits home very closely. it angers and upsets me. i feel (as i have many times) that the majority culture is held in esteem and minority cultures (even in terms of styles of communication) are viewed through the lens of the majority's way of doing things -- as opposed to in and of themselves. this is a justice issue to me. God doesn't view cultures are superior or "the right way"... why support an organization's decision to elevate the legitimacy of one culture over another?
2. Koreans WANT to learn english.
learning english is extremely popular in korea. my guess is that the korean women on the LPGA aren't sticking their heads in the sand when it comes to needing to learn how to communicate in English. my guess is they are trying. perhaps some learn more slowly than others. right now, i personally don't think they should be required to learn english at all, but making that choice is within the LPGA's legal rights.
3. i believe we all need to start seeing other cultures apart from our own lenses as best we can.
instead of becoming frustrated at the asian way of communicating, and essentially saying, well, they need to be more direct and communicative like us -- see the culture for what it is. God has given other cultures beauty and harmony that look very different from western cultures. he doesn't elevate one over the other. he delights in all of them because they all reflect aspects of Him.
Posted by: jackie mah | October 1, 2008 11:35 AM
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