English films help learning process

Let set things straight, Mr. Ronci (The Jakarta Post, May 30, 1996). I didn't try to argue that dubbing films was a ridiculous idea. What is silly to me is the intention to dub foreign films into good Bahasa Indonesia. I believe good Indonesian excludes the use of the Jakartan dialect, such lu (you) and gue(I), and many other everyday expressions. It isn't wrong to use such expressions in informal situations. Hearing a youngster address his mate with anda (you) would be strange.

Why do people condemn the use of a dialect that exists within society? As long as the young generation (who are repeatedly blamed for improper use of Indonesian) know when to use good Indonesian and when to foster slang, it will not really be a problem.

Many high-ranking officials misuse the phrase daripada during many formal occasions. Has the Ministry of Education and Culture ever ordered them to use the daripada appropriately?

I wholly agree with Mr. Ronci that a people's mother tongue should be preeminent, but the significance of English -- as recognized by the government -- cannot be ignored. English is taught in all schools and is included in the entrance exams of all state universities and many private colleges. If Indonesian students desire better opportunities then proficiency in English is urgent.

Although English courses may serve as a solution, I still believe English films accelerate the learning process, especially in regard to communicative teaching methods. English films provide students with unlimited expressions and their proper use. Again, quality English courses are not affordable to many of us.

Unfortunately, my argument for subtitling will disappoint those who expect total enjoyment from films.

ANANG FACHRUDIN

Jakarta