As an American, I find the current discussions over the role of the English language in Malaysia of some interest.

But, I would like to offer a lighthearted cautionary tale which has been circulating on the Net, on English speakers and their heart attack rates and diet:

  • The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.

  • The French eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.

  • The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.

  • The French drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.

  • The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.

    • Conclusion : Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.