This week I am drawing on the board in my classroom a cartoon drawing of two towns and a space between.  Really just a few lines and rectangles will represent the buildings and a few  half circles and triangles will give roof lines.  Then a road in front and a little car reminiscent of a VW Bug will give a feeling of motion.  In the space between, some lines to show trees and underbrush.  It’s amazing what you can do with a little chalk, and a bonus if some of it is colored.

I ask the students to tell me a story about the picture and they actually see what I have drawn: two towns, a road, a forest, and a car moving along from one town to another.  The problem is the car has to go through those woods to get to the other town.

Next, I put names on the towns: first town “Chinese” other town  “English” and the woods between?  “Chinglish” a necessary step between the two languages.  It is, among other things,  Chinese forms or syntax with English words, and English words, but not the best ones for the situation.  I hope that my students will move quickly through the woods and arrive at the next town.

My problem is that I enjoy some of the creativity that comes from being in those woods.  “It’s a happiness thing” appeared in an essay recently.  I think it’s an “error” but it reminds of a certain famous person who spoke this way.  Then I read this one: “we played cards, loudly laughed, and totally happied.”   I’m obligated to “correct” this, but I think it is quite clear, fresh and fun.  What more can we ask of language?