Are You Smart Because You Know English? | Julie Le | TEDxCATSAcademyBoston

Summary

This video challenges the common perception that English proficiency equals intelligence. The speaker contrasts their parents' imperfect English with their own, highlighting how people are often judged based on their ability to speak English, even though it doesn’t measure true intelligence. Using examples like Jack Ma and Marie Kondo, who excel despite non-native English, the video emphasizes that language is just a tool, not a reflection of a person's abilities. The speaker urges viewers to reconsider the value placed on language proficiency and recognize other forms of intelligence and achievement.

Takeaways

• 😀 English is not a true measure of intelligence or capability.
• 😀 Many people associate English fluency with wealth, intelligence, and success, which is a flawed stereotype.
• 😀 Despite having prestigious degrees, the speaker's parents struggle with English, but their intelligence and skills are not defined by it.
• 😀 The speaker’s dad, an engineer, was underestimated in the U.S. because of his imperfect English, despite his qualifications.
• 😀 In contrast, the speaker is considered highly educated when visiting Vietnam just because they speak English.
• 😀 The language someone speaks does not define their worth or intelligence—people like Jack Ma and Marie Kondo prove this.
• 😀 Jack Ma, despite speaking English with a strong accent, is one of the richest men in China, showing that success is not tied to perfect English.
• 😀 The education system's emphasis on test scores and numbers as a measure of intelligence is problematic.
• 😀 An Excel sheet can perform calculations, but it doesn’t define a person's decision-making skills or intelligence.
• 😀 The speaker uses the example of failure and success to emphasize that passing exams or getting good grades doesn’t necessarily equate to intelligence or future success.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the importance of not judging others based on their English proficiency and recognizing their other skills and accomplishments.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by the difference between 'wear' and 'where'?

The speaker is highlighting how their parents struggle with the subtle differences in English pronunciation, suggesting that English proficiency does not necessarily correlate with intelligence or education.

Why does the speaker mention their friends and parents' English skills?

The speaker contrasts their friends, who speak English fluently, with their parents, who have academic success but struggle with the language. This illustrates how English is often used as a measure of intelligence despite its limitations as a true indicator.

How is English used as a measure of intelligence in modern society?

In modern society, the ability to speak English fluently and without an accent is often mistakenly linked to being more intelligent, successful, or capable. This is a common bias that the speaker aims to challenge.

What does the speaker mean by 'English is just a language, not a measure of intelligence'?

The speaker is arguing that proficiency in English does not equate to intelligence or capability. Intelligence should be judged based on one's achievements and abilities, not their accent or fluency in English.

What is the significance of the example about the speaker's father?

The speaker uses their father's experience to show that despite his limited English skills, he is an accomplished engineer. This challenges the idea that imperfect English means a lack of intelligence or education.

Why does the speaker mention Jack Ma and Marie Kondo?

The speaker mentions these individuals to emphasize that successful, intelligent people do not need perfect English. Jack Ma speaks with a strong accent yet became the richest man in China, and Marie Kondo hosts a show with an interpreter. This further debunks the myth that perfect English equals intelligence.

What point is the speaker making by comparing language to an Excel sheet?

The speaker compares language to an Excel sheet to show that language, like numbers, is a tool for communication, not a measure of intelligence or capability. Both serve functions, but neither defines one's overall potential.

How does the speaker critique the global education system?

The speaker critiques the education system for placing excessive value on test scores and exams, which are used as metrics for intelligence. They argue that these numbers do not truly measure a person's intelligence or abilities.

What does the speaker mean by 'numbers are just numbers'?

The speaker is emphasizing that exam scores and grades, much like language, are not definitive measures of intelligence. They cite their own experience and a friend's success to demonstrate that success doesn't always correlate with academic performance.

What is the main message the speaker is trying to convey in the speech?

The main message is that intelligence and success should not be judged based on one's proficiency in English or academic scores. The speaker calls for a more inclusive perspective that values diverse skills and experiences beyond language fluency.