Abuse of English

I read with keen interest Ms. Barbara Tack's letter in defense of alleged North American abuse of the English language, and I feel that her plaintive cry deserves a word of encouragement,

After all, it's not their fault they speak the way they do. It's probably all those ethnic influences -- from the distinct nasal whine of New York's Jewish community to the colorful jargon of ostentatiously dressed black pimps. (What is a white honky, by the way?).

Besides, according to the theory advanced by some would-be Professor Higgins (the speech expert from Pygmalion) U.S. children, unlike their more fortunate UK counterparts, have never been blessed by practiced exposure at an early age to traditional nursery rhymes. As a result, their syntax is irreparably impaired, leaving them with no proper speech rhythms whatsoever.

Moreover, I heartily endorse Ms. Tack's assertion that the popular media be held responsible for the portrayal of a vocabulary and lifestyle which is largely unrepresentative of that unfortunate continent.

I recall being profoundly disappointed, upon visiting the reception of a precinct police station, and not finding at least one painted strumpet in hot pants lewdly protesting her innocence in a variety of Spanish-accented four-letter words.

Not to mention the notable absence of that other well-known caricature of urban police establishments -- the authoritative black police captain -- another imaginative illusion designed to reinforce the myth of democracy in America.

But to be fair to the media, it has also been instrumental in exposing the truth as well as the hype. For example, in contrast to the hypocrisy of presidential pronouncements against human rights abuses at Tiananmen Square, we are treated to a video -taped recording of several Los Angeles policemen brutally assaulting a black gentleman in the street.

Though it can be argued that such hypocrisy is merely the carrying on of their traditions, such as they are. (For example, Thomas Jefferson proclaiming the freedom and equality of the individual while owning several dozen slaves).

But one can't blame them. After all, they've only been going for a mere 200 years. Ever since they rebelled against their English masters -- thanks to the French, from who they received massive military assistance -- in the mistaken belief that they were ready for independence.

I think the way they speak is exotic. And if anyone would care to offer tuition on how to speak "jive," I would be most pleased to learn.

JULIAN D'ARCY

Jakarta