Sometimes there is an assumption to think people who speak intelligently articulately are smart. I believe it may not always be accurate. To be a prolific speaker like was televangelist Billy Graham or now Ostin Joel, it is both a natural gift and hard work. Christian author apostle Paul admits he did not have a gift to preach, but many people would agree he was an excellent writer. Eloquence in speech not always defines a person’s excellence. I strongly think when people are wise in life when they have good morals, it is what makes them excellent.
Jamila Lyiscott says, “So I may not always come before you with excellency of speech But do not judge me by my language and assume That I’m too ignorant to teach’ Cause I speak three tongues One for each: Home, school and friends…”
I can see people can react differently to her performance, another person another opinion. However, she knows how to articulate, “I speak three tongues, one for each: home school and friends.” As a non-native English speaker, when hearing her makes me feel a little bit throw off and confused, and at the same time, I admire her performance. She can carry on long speech without notes; she rhymes her sentences; her content has meaning. Jamila Lyiscott’s language reflects the African American story, and I learned today a little lesson.
I have lived in the USA for five years. I daily continue to learn and improve my knowledge of the English language. Maybe people also have prejudices when I express my self in English. At times I feel less about myself and also try to maintain a positive attitude. Each person is unique and talented in his or her way. I believe it is very important to see it and appreciate it.