Essay on Spoken English and Broken English (By G.B. Shaw)

Introduction:

          Next to Shakespeare, the well-known dramatist is G.B. Shaw. He is also an art critic, gifted public speaker and the Noble Prize Winner for literature in 1925.  He is best remembered for his ready wit, sense of humour, practical wisdom and lively commonsense in his works. Spoken English and Broken English is a transcript of his radio talk recorded in 1927. In this talk, he analyses the reasons for aspiring to speak correct English and proves the non-existence of correct English. He also explains the benefits of broken English, especially in English speaking countries.

The Reasons for Speaking Correct English:

          G.B. Shaw brings out three reasons why people want to speak correct English: 1. Non-native speakers of English want to be understood by native speakers of English well, particularly when they travel to England or America 2. People try to speak correct English to get a job that is open only to those who speak correct English. Or, 3. They may be native speakers but feel ashamed of speaking local dialect or Cockney dialect, the one used in East end of London. The purpose of Shaw’s radio talk was also to ask him for a specimen of Correct English.

Correct English – a Delusion:

          People generally believe that they can speak grammatically correct English with actual pronunciation if they practice well. But Shaw makes it clear that it is a mere delusion. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has formed a committee to bring out correct English with correct pronunciation and Shaw is also a member of that committee. But Shaw says that no two members of the committee pronounce alike even the two commonest words -yes and no. No two native speakers of English speak alike. He also warns: If a foreigner speaks English perfectly in England, he is likely to be suspected as a beggar or a cheat.

The Alternative One for Correct English:

          Shaw suggests that if a foreigner comes to English, he has to use broken English with no grammar such as “Please! Charing Cross! Which way?”  Then immediately half a dozen native speakers will recognize him as a foreigner and be ready to help him. English has to vary according to different regions of people, their nature, their relations with the speaker, the listener’s capacity, etc. As Shaw says, therefore there is no correct English but  “there is presentable English which we call ‘Good English.’

Conclusion:

          Shaw makes a fun and says that he cannot speak carelessly to audience as he speaks to his wife and he cannot speak carefully to his  wife as he speaks to his audience. He is very authentic, direct, truthful and practical in his expressions. He unfolds the fact that 999 out of every 1000 people in London speak bad English badly. He also warns that no foreigner can ever speak with exact native accent and rise and fall intonation. It is rather not required as well. What is required is not correct English but Good English, presentable English and English that is well spoken.