Writing Feedback / Language Breakdown in Philippines (we have more or less 130 languages) [3]

In the Philippines, a country with 7,107 islands, we have more or less 130 languages. Only thirteen are well known. I happened to speak Cebuano, my dialect. It was widely spoken to our village and I grew with it. If there were a speaker of another dialect, I doubt if he is a commoner. He's either having a vacation or just happens to pass by. Generally, I don't need a dictionary to learn a word since the language had already worn out my ears but, now, I think I need one.

Sitting in a pew, last seat last row, I carefully listened to the priest's sermon. It was about looking what we have done these past few days; I understood that. Then, it was now having a devotion to God; still, I understood that. After a while, the priest started using foreign words. I was utterly confused and what was more confusing was nobody felt the same way as I did.

After the mass, I asked my father what they were. I learned the meaning but the words were not new. Then, I realized I have been using some of them from the past years. How could I ever forget? I'm supposed to remember because it was my dialect. It was like forgetting the words of my favourite song. I can't believe it.

I also noticed that I have been struggling in holding a discussion because I kept getting tongue tied. I had also trouble finding words to express my thoughts. In result, I frequent on code switching to save the conversation from silence.

Being expose to the English language may well be the reason. Whenever I entered to a forum site it was always English restricted. All of the books I have read were in English, which was also used whenever our teachers discourse with us. I guess I shouldn't be surprise to be obsessed in English, that I prefer it besides my dialect. After all that was our education system was aiming: To be fluent in English, so we can be globally competitive.

I'm not the only one having this dilemma. My classmates are slowly affected by it, though they rarely notice. In academic writing and scholarship essays, yes it is really helpful. It was also helpful in communicating to other people outside the country. But learning too much from this language had me detached to my dialect. Slowly, I had been isolated to other local conversation. As far as socialization is involved, this was not good.

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Thanks for reading. Any thoughts for improvement?

Writing Feedback / there will always be a curse out of it; Computer Literacy is a Curse [6]

My mother always calls me when she is in the front of computer. Her annoying and yet pleading voice kept me detached in everything I do. She asks question I've already answered and demonstrated, numerous times. It is always how to log-in on Facebook, how to upload a photo, how to find the address bar or, in worse cases, how to turn on the computer. She is persistent to learn but I was not persistent to teach.

At first, I was eager to share my knowledge. After all, whose children don't want to impress their parents? I was enthralled to the idea. I was even making lesson plan and carefully planning what topics to be discuss per day, like teachers do. It wasn't long before I realized that my efforts are futile. My mother couldn't digest all the teachings. I couldn't figure out what went wrong and why. Eventually, I pretended not to hear any commands on the fort coming nights.

Well, not all parents share this trait, even my fellow peers belong to this category. You volunteered to answer and the next thing you know you are drowned by questions. They expect you to answer every single one of their queries. Even if you did, the same question appears in the next few months with the same person who asked it. It is like an obligation to be computer literate rather than an asset.

I was patient in all aspects of life but they took that attribute from me. To be a teacher was my childhood dream and my hero. But after having a glimpse of its insanity, I vowed not be one. Out of the questions, I was tempted to write books with titles like Mouse for Dummies, Taskbar for Dummies and the like. I fancied how much sales I will make.

In this modern world, knowing how to use computer is useful. Many people are enrolled in a computer course. They are widely used whether in business or in personal purposes. However, no matter how a blessing it is, there will always be a curse out of it.

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Thanks for reading! Let me know what your thoughts.

Writing Feedback / People who have different interest are less likely to be an ally [4]

Allies are ideal. They are useful in any ways. They can ease your tasks and increase your self-worth. However, you may be better off choosing allies with the same interest. People who have different concepts, availability and attitude are better off going solo.

If you have different interests, you have different concept of ideas. One may prefer to spend weekend sitting in the couch, eating popcorn and watching movies. The other may prefer playing basketball and get his body all worked up. As you contemplate on choices, you might lead to an argument.

People have different interests have different availability*. People who have interest in reading and writing can be in their work for days and weeks and is subject to extension. Their work may or may not be pleasing until then. On the other hand, people who have interest in social interaction will choose any time to go out. Thus, even though you may agree on a decision, they are probably time you have to do it alone.

Lastly, people who have different interest are less likely to please their partners. If a person has no knowledge on other people's work, he can't make a good opinion or it may lead to lies. They can't also talk freely on their selves because one may consider it a rant while the other as a rave.

Having an ally has many benefits. But having the perfect one is hard. You should choose the people to work with for if you are not careful you may lead to a relationship - enemies.

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*Do you have other term for this? I think this is a bit off.
Also any thoughts on improving the essay or is it just enough for the subject?

Let me know.

Grammar, Usage / On what occasion can be fragments acceptable? [3]

I read this excerpt in the Reader's Digest

"Canning. Food Trucks. Knitting. Urban homesteading. Home Brewing. The rise of these DIY activities amuses me."

Writing Feedback / "not physically and mentally fit to play" - How I suck at sports [5]

Anyone who knows me can claim that I'm not physically and mentally fit to play various sports. When I say I suck I am not being modest. However, my friends always called me whenever they had a game. I don't know what they are up to. If they just want to increase my self-esteem or just want to see me ridiculously play. In any other intentions, I always end up submitting to their will. The games we played made me realized how I suck at sports.

I played basketball last year and it went bad. Whenever I got the ball I find myself trembling. I always passed it randomly. Whenever I hold the ball, it felt like a great responsibility like they expect me to shoot the ball or show some tricks. So I usually throw it away immediately to save myself from humiliation. One time when we were having a fast break, someone called out my name. Not knowing that was the signal for pass, I faced the voice's direction and receiving the ball right on my forehead. I felt my head cracked open. Sometimes, I wanted to have a clear shot but the opportunity never seemed to present itself.

The other day, I and my father went to the park to play tennis. But when we arrived there are already others playing. So we can't play together. I think I have already said Sorry for the hundredth time already. The tennis ball always hit the net. I knew my opponent was not having fun and neither do I. The same goes for Ping-Pong. I can barely catch tennis ball let alone the Ping-Pong ones. I once got hit by a paddle. It nearly broke the bridge of my nose. I had to cover it with a cloth due to its excessive bleeding.

These days our country is getting interested in soccer. Almost all students in our town know how to play soccer even my little brother. I am glad it didn't happen in my time. I surely don't want to break my leg. When I was a child, I encouraged my classmates to play soccer. I actually enjoyed it until we had to stop because my classmate was hit directly unto his face. Well of course, they put the blame on me.

When Manny Pacquiao's glorious moments were rising, my dark days were looming. All towns took pride over his victories and ours was no different. We had daily sparring. My father encouraged me to fight. I had already received several blows before I gave my first. The match only ended because of the weather. Even though I hated rain because of the sickness it caused me, I started to like it.

I don't know if I'll ever enjoy sports. I tried finding my old friends but they are all busy. Even if I tried to join games, I doubted if anyone would admit me. There are now new generations that are playing. Besides who would like to play with a guy like me, I'm skinny, short and easily distracted. It will be a total disadvantage to their part.

But playing sports seems fun. I mean almost all people indulge in it. Almost all males are engage to sports. I am determined to sulk, but the truth is, I want to be part of the game.

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Thanks for reading.