Using the word "educated".

Bridget   Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:18 am GMT
The word "educated" is a bug bear for many forumites. When used to talk about language use, many see the word has having negative prosody. Here, I post an example of its use. It is from the «English Speaking Union’s ( E.S.U.’s ) Nine-Level Scale».



"Level 9 PRE PROFICIENCY

Has a full command of the language, tackling the most difficult tasks with consistent accuracy, fluency, appropriate usage, organisation and comprehension. An exceptional level of mastery, not always reached by native speakers, even quite educated ones."



How would you explain such an expression as "even quite educated ones" to someone who did not understand its reference and meaning? Who does it refer to?
Guest   Mon Jun 25, 2007 11:29 pm GMT
It means that there are many thickoes who cannot use English well, even though it is their own language.