On 03/09/2014 06:20 PM, Andrew Newton wrote:
On Sun, Mar 9, 2014 at 2:47 PM, Ted Lemon
<ted(_dot_)lemon(_at_)nominum(_dot_)com> wrote:
I can't speak for other IETFers, but I am keenly aware of the unfairness of the
current situation. But the only thing I know how to do to fix it is to help
people for whom english is not their first language to participate in english
anyway. There is a lot of interest within the IETF in doing this--it's not
just me.
I agree. Maybe we could start with a list of habits for which native
English speakers should not engage so that non-native speakers can
more readily understand the conversation. Such as, but not limited to:
- do not mumble at the microphones.
- do not speak fast.
- do not use cultural references as a replacement for meaningful prose
- do not use uncommon words
Just a suggestion.
-andy
Perhaps practice RFC 7154, "IETF Guidelines for Conduct"?
2. Guidelines for Conduct
1. IETF participants extend respect and courtesy to their colleagues
at all times.
IETF participants come from diverse origins and backgrounds; there
can be different expectations or assumptions. Regardless of these
individual differences, participants treat their colleagues with
respect as persons especially when it is difficult to agree with
them: treat other participants as you would like to be treated.
English is the de facto language of the IETF. However, it is not
the native language of many IETF participants. All participants,
particularly those with English as a first language, attempt to
accommodate the needs of other participants by communicating
clearly, including speaking slowly and limiting the use of slang.
When faced with English that is difficult to understand, IETF
participants make a sincere effort to understand each other and
engage in conversation to clarify what was meant.
I don't think we have a desperate need for more lists. But re-reading
some of those we have already made might be useful.
(This language is largely unchanged from RFC 3184, made BCP in October
2001. We've had this opinion for a while.)