Shouldn't people who work with small children speak standard English?

Question

I am not referring to actual teachers, but more like para-educators I(teaching assistants, day care workers, etc.) I cringe when I see someone working with children say "axed" instead of asked. I understand that some people seem to be proud of their own vernacular, but shouldn't an efford be make to speak standard English around impressionable small children?

Answer 1

It’s good to know someone out there stands up for good English! I don’t know what country you live in, but in my country (near the Far East), it is not uncommon to leave your children in the care of others – only to end up with children who grow up speaking a skewered form of English, or who have a limited understanding of English!

I guess people don’t really respect the English language anymore, and they probably think that good language use is just a luxury and not an essential in life. I don’t know what else to say.

Mind you, I don’t claim to speak the Queen’s English. And f.y.i., I don’t think I’m being racist. English is the ‘official’ language, or rather, a ‘bridge’ language here.

Answer 2

I agree with you. I may end up sending my children to private schools because you don't see that very often...they are more picky about who is educating children. Anyone can teach in public schools. And when a child is young and learning they are most vulnerable to pick up other "slang" accents.

Answer 3

I absolutely agree 100% because children copy everything they see and hear!! They think if an adult says/does something it's OK for them to do it too. Godloveya!

Answer 4

Yes, or the children won't learn english properly.

Answer 5

I cringe when I HEAR someone etc.
EFFORT not efford.
What is standard English?
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Answer 6

I AGREE WITH YOU 100%