English (was Re: A few hums)

[Scott W Brim]

I agree with the hums on everything else, btw.

On Tue, Jul 22, 2003 06:02:57PM -0400, Melinda Shore allegedly wrote:
> In the discussion of whether or not there's a problem
> accomodating ESL speakers, the discussion broadened a bit to
> cover cultural issues, the hum indicated that those present
> felt that we needed more text on this issue.

Since I can't find any text at all right now, how about:

  The IETF has never decided to do anything about the known problems
  with language and verbal communication despite its increasing
  international participation.  At this point there are serious
  difficulties for those who are not native speakers of English, in
  understanding presentations and arguments, in reading and
  understanding colloquial text, and in formulating responses in order
  to participate in the usual lively IETF discussion.  There are also
  problems for those who speak English natively but are not used to the
  accent or dialect of another participant.  The IETF needs to decide,
  explicitly, what it will or will not do about these issues.