Evening star., 1943-03-10
Press Club Told
OF Teaching
English by Radio
Miss Pin Pin Tan
Describes Course
Beamed to Latins
Bv Frances Lide.

A young Chinese woman, teach
Ing basic English by radio to Latir
America, is the unusual interna-
tional combination represented II
Miss Pin Pin Tan, who was one
Of two guest speakers to address
the Women's National Press Clut
at luncheon meeting yesterday al
the Willard Hotel.
The diversified program also fea-
tured Col E w. Timberlake. COM
manding officer of the anti-aircraft
artillery in the military district OF
Washington, who called attention to
the need of anti-aircraft volunteers
as he discussed the setup of his
organization.
Although his military references
were off record Col Timber
lake tossed on-the-record bouquets
to the women now serving under
him as volunteers "They are do
ing mans job" he said, and do
ing it damn we'll
Each volunteer must work a four
hour shift every three days, the
speaker explained. And they must
be on the job. come hell or high
water" he added.
Hour-Day Duty.
volunteers are on duty "a hours
q day, every day." he said. They
are under Army regulations. They
are examined by the FBI and they
are sworn in. And there is no re-
ward except the knowledge that
they are doing their duty with
honor for their country"
AS a sly inducement to interest
more women in the work, however,
Col. Timberlake pointed out that
the volunteers wear a charming
uniform consisting of blue slacks
and blouses with touch of white
to make the costume more attrac-
tive.
And they can wear slacks well"
he remarked with a smile as he
pointed out that the women must
bend over so often that slim waist
lines are inevitably acquired. They
are losing inches and pounds" he
said, in the performance of their
duty"
The speaker explained that volun-
teers must register with the Civilian
Defense Volunteer Office at 1924 F
street NV. and that they may call
Republic 5l05. From the CDVO
they are referred to Mrs. Franz
Stone, director of anti aircraft
volunteers. A three-day basic
training course is required.
Native of Peking.
The Chinese guest speaker was in
troduced as native of Peking who
came to this country several years
ago on a scholarship from the Rock
efeller Foundation and who is asso-
ciated with the World Wide Broad
casting Foundation.
Miss Tan learned her own fluent
English from an American govern
ess, but in 1889 agreed to do a series
Of broadcasts in and on basic
English for the World Wide Founda-
ton, a cultural institution dedicated
to the furtherance of international
goodwill and understanding.
Launched without any fanfare, the
series brought in so many enthusiasts
tic letters from all parts OF the globe,
she said, that the program was
broadened to include daily neWscasts
in basic as well as special programs
on such varied topics as social work
and mountain climbing.
In 1910 the foundation decided to
pioneer in still another field-the
teaching of English, through basic,
over the airWaves to Latin America.
The first course was planned only
for the Spanish-speaking countries,
but the people of Brazil clamored for
one in Portuguese and, until such
a course could be broadcast, Por-
tuguese listeners would follow the
lessons explained in Spanish, trans
late their notes into Portuguese and
send them to the foundation for
correction.
Three Courses Beamed.
This last year" Miss Tan said
before shortWave stations went un-
der Government operation, we had
three courses of English beamed to
Latin AmeriCa-one for beginners,
explained in Spanish; second for
beginners, explained in Portuguese,
and the third an advance course,
providing a guided transition from
basic to full English, explained in
Spanish.
Our students ranged in age from
to 10, and in profession from cabi-
net ministers to cabinet makers"
Basic English, Miss Tan explained,
sis system in which $50 words have
the covering power Of 10000. These
$50 words are the most necessary
words of the English language" she
said, "and are enough for all every
day purposes"