A letter to ‘English’ from a non-native English speaker.

To: English

Sub: Which English do I choose?

Dear English,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have been in touch with you since I was four years old. You introduced yourself as ‘Alphabets’ then. Years later, I learnt that you had a ‘split personality’ wherein your words and spellings changed. I was fortunate to receive consultations from my teachers then, who helped me identify these personalities in you. I knew you quite well that I taught your tricks to my fellow learners too.

However, when I started working, your ‘personality disorder’ got on my nerves. I became over conscious about this causing me a minor anxiety if I slip you somewhere.

Being the curious self, I asked some friends here. I asked if they also feel the same about you. Sorry for being nosy, but I needed help. Some of them did and a few didn’t.

Later, a wise friend of mine said, “In identifying him, you are forgetting yourself."

This changed my perceptions about you. I embraced all your personality types. Be it British, American or even Indian.

I don’t have a problem with your behaviour or behavior anymore. If you slip, I let you, but I stopped beating myself up for it.

We evolved. Together.

With love,

Sruthi Venugopal