[NIFL-ESL:10165] Re: layers of meaning

From: Albert Wat (ayw@georgetown.edu)
Date: Wed Mar 31 2004 - 14:29:38 EST


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From: Albert Wat <ayw@georgetown.edu>
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Subject: [NIFL-ESL:10165] Re: layers of meaning
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I hate to drag this topic out even more, but I really don't think it's 
appropriate to compare non-English speakers/readers who drive to 
Alzheimber's patients who drive.  There are a lot of other non-written 
cues that we all use as drivers on the road.  There are reasons why 
signs are made with specific colors and shapes.  I have an uncle who 
spoke and read little English, and he was navigating the roads of L.A. a 
lot better than my father, who has a master's degree in British 
Literature.  In fact, he taught my father how to drive and helped me get 
his license when my father moved to the States from Hong Kong! 

I, for one, would be more fearful of giant SUVs on the road!

- Albert

Edith Fensom wrote:

>I have to agree with the original poster about the safety of people driving
>when they can't read the signs. I don't think I am being racist when I say
>this. It's a similar situation to when my mother-in-law was in the early
>stages of Alzheimer's and still driving. Scary. I realize that reading and
>driving are two different skills but do think you need to be able to react
>quickly when necessary.
>
>On the other hand I realize how important and necessary a driver's license
>is to live and work in America. It's a difficult situation.
>
>Edith
>
>
>  
>



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