Letter from Cuba 2: In which English English takes second place to US English
On my first full day in the city, 16 December, I was welcomed to the University by members of the English department. There were introductions, a very warm welcome speech by the head of the department as well as food and drink. All expressed sincere pleasure to have me there and I felt quite humbled at the reception I received in return for what to me is a small gift indeed. I hope to ensure that my contributions live up to their expectations.
I must explain that this is a voluntary exercise for me. It is a part of my decision over the last three years to do tourism with some small effort to give something to the countries I visit. That something is the use of my expertise as an English teacher and university lecturer.
My first objective in Habana was to present a paper to an international academic conference which was happening from the 17 – 20 of December. As my paper was not scheduled till the last day I was able to enjoy the presentations of others over the first three days. The main participants were from Cuba and Canada but there were people from the USA as well. One important aspect of being an English speaking person from England is that I am often the odd one out in terms of the language I speak. My pronunciations often present a challenge to those who are more used to USA English.
On the opening day of the conference there were presentations to the whole conference in, what would be a listed building in England showing off the grand architectural traditions of the Spanish period in Cuba. In the afternoon, coaches took us to a venue in Old Habana for a welcome party. Drinking Cuba Libres and eating snacks, the party soon hotted up with live musicians and singers and finally some hot dancing into the early hours of the night.
Cuba is keeping its promises.
From Greta 16 -20 December 2011