In a certain English language class, made up of 32 individuals from different cultures, of different ages and professions, the lesson of the day involves a common reading of text. Everyone was to read together. The differences of the participants became quite evident even when it was not necessary: some were reading very slowly, others were a bit faster, and a few wanted their voices to be heard above others. The teacher, Mrs. Becheme, a slender, beautiful and intelligent Cameroonian, married to a Nigerian, was quite discontent, and so wanted to correct the participants. Her simple task was to appeal … Continue reading Deficient Politeness