Putting It in Plain English

Americans are constantly told that they should know more than one language (“Talking Up Bilingualism,” May 22). However, many students at Cal State Los Angeles (and I’d imagine every other college in the state) are finding out that it’s much better to have excellent English than it is to be bilingual with poor reading and writing skills in English.

At Cal State L.A., all students must take a written proficiency examination to demonstrate fluid English, with no grammatical or spelling errors. Failure on the exam in one’s junior or senior year means that the student can’t register for any more classes or receive financial aid. The exam has become a nightmare without end for some foreign-born students, who not unexpectedly are once again crying discrimination.

And incidentally, while some employment ads ask for bilingual skills, even more ads ask for “communication skills”--which really means “excellent spoken and written English, with no grammatical or spelling errors.”

MATTHEW OKADA

Pasadena