To the editor:

The Feb. 1 article concerning English as the official language of Kansas, with comments by those opposed, brings back deeply held and felt memories.

Several years ago, my wife and I lived and worked in the many islands and atolls of Micronesia, many of which were hosts to Peace Corps volunteers, but their inhabitants knew little English. These energetic and eager young volunteer educators brought with them many of the talents and skills needed, but they knew next to nothing about the many different languages and dialects of these peoples.

Solution: The volunteers were quickly transported to outlying islands or remote locations where they were “force fed” the local language by living it in a family situation.

Result: In roughly two weeks, these Peace Corps volunteers were able to fulfill their purposes and objectives; i.e., they could communicate and teach. It should go without saying, but it is impossible to overemphasize, that assimilating oneself and learning the indigenous language is the only path to escape mediocrity.

Jim Winn,

Lawrence