Chapter 2

James’s first day unfolded in a bewildering diversity of personalities, ambitions, and challenges. The first class, which started at one p.m., began in a brightly lit classroom filled with college students, mostly girls whose eyes sparkled with dreams of not only securing lucrative jobs but also the possibility of meeting a charming young man from America or Europe. The room itself was a blend of modern design and academic tradition, its walls lined with bookshelves and chalkboards bearing scribbles of past lessons. Part of the walls were adorned with inspirational posters and bilingual quotations, setting an upbeat tone.

As James introduced himself with a warm smile, one female student raised her hand and asked shyly, “Do you think speaking English will really open so many doors for us?” Her question captured the room’s collective hope and a touch of uncertainty.

“Every new word you learn is a step toward your future, whether in a career or in life,” James reassured them, thinking of his own background.

Most of the lesson centered around simple low-level business conversation, as it seemed many of the girls had their eyes set on a secretarial role in some company that did a lot of business in America or Europe. The boys, perhaps thinking of beginning their work life in similar companies, which might eventually lead to management roles, were happy to participate in the discussions – especially as they were very interested in pleasing the girls.

James took a deep breath as he watched the students file into the next class. When everyone had taken a seat, he observed a dozen upper-class college students, mostly young men, awaiting him with a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. As he began to scan his notes, he could sense the undercurrent of challenge in the air.

In the front of the room, the atmosphere was charged. A small group of assertive young men exchanged knowing glances and leaned forward, their expressions daring him to prove his mastery of the English language. Their aggressive postures and pointed questions suggested they weren’t satisfied with surface-level explanations; they craved the intricate, nuanced depths of both written and spoken English. Either that, or they wanted to test the ‘new guy’, and possibly score points with one another by tripping him up. One of them, a tall, confident student with a piercing gaze, fired off the first salvo,

“Professor, how do you reconcile the irregularities in English spelling with its etymological origins?” His tone was both challenging and inquisitive.