Traditionally, in the Chinese-speaking world, a good command of English is a big plus for one’s social status and respect. That Taiwan has elected a supreme leader with notable proficiency in English, which greatly strengthens his ability to communicate with many world leaders, should make local residents feel proud. But members of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have come to sharply criticize Ma, as the head of state, for impairing “national dignity” and attempting to “show off.” Indeed, such a phenomenon confirms a famous Chinese saying, “If you want to incriminate a person, there is no lack of reasons.”

It appears that both pro and con arguments of President Ma communicating with foreigner in English are somewhat justified.

However, on a closer look, one will find that this fact actually reflects a morbid mentality of the Chinese people toward foreign powers that spans over a century.

It may be recalled that the Ching dynasty during the 19th century first assumed an arrogant attitude toward all foreigners, believing it was the center of the world and the greatest country on earth. But, after it suffered one humiliating military defeat after another at the hands of “foreign devils,” an almost blind admiration of everything that was foreign began to prevail.

The ability to master foreign languages, particularly English, was so exalted that it became an important yardstick for measuring peoples’ overall educational level. Under such circumstances, if college graduates (or even high school graduates) are not proficient in English, they would be jeered at. Neither of these extremes is desirable.

Since any language is merely a tool of communication between people and nothing more, and it should be treated as such. Some deserve respect if they are interested in learning different languages, but others should deserve equal respect if they can speak only their mother tongues.

This criterion should apply to any head of state. In this respect, former President Chen Shui-bian should not be belittled in any way for the fact that he cannot speak fluent English. He was elected to rule the country, not to demonstrate his language ability, which is the job of translators and interpreters.

For the same reason, President Ma is free to use any language in talking to foreign visitors. Its significance should not be expanded in such a way as to charge that he is “showing off” or “damaging national dignity.” But, President Ma should learn when and how to use English properly so as to promote his image as a popular, admired and beloved president.

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