19 August, 2010 - Published 12:52 GMT

Forum: Let's talk about 'we talk'

Caribbean linguists are making a case for the promotion of dialects or indigenous languages in schools.

Joanne Ferreira, Secretary-Treasurer of the Society for Caribbean Linguists, says learning the languages would help, rather than hinder, students.

At issue is the national status of Creole and other indigenous languages (patois) spoken in the region.

When Desi Bouterse was recently installed as Suriname's president he spoke mainly in Dutch but also used Sranan Tongo, the main indigenous language.

Massive progress toward acceptance of local languages has been made in the Dutch and French Caribbean, for example, but less so among English speakers.

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Should indigenous Caribbean languages be taught in schools?

Should wider usage - and acceptance - of these languages be encouraged?

Are these dialects an integral part of Caribbean culture and heritage which form part of the Caribbean identity?

And, what do you say to those who frown on their usage?

Give us an example of a greeting (and English translation for general understanding) in your local language or dialect*.

*Dialect: A manner of speaking, language, speech; esp. a manner of speech peculiar to, or characteristic of, a particular person or class; phraseology, idiom. (Oxford English Dictionary)

It is extremely heart-warming to see our leading intellectuals suggest to us that we can use regression as a vehicle for progression. In the English-speaking Caribbean we don’t really have indigenous languages (except for Dominica and St Lucia). But we should ignore the fact that all we really speak is broken English and support the premise of the Society for Caribbean Linguists; learning the ‘languages’ would help, rather than hinder, students.

Officially learning to speak English incorrectly will certainly assist Caribbean students who aim to attend colleges and universities in North America and the UK since we will then be required to take TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to gain admittance. It will also make our graduates from our schools and universities more competitive in today’s global marketplace by eliminating the edge we may have over other developing countries that don’t speak English as their primary language.
Dia Christian
Georgetown, Guyana

Excellent points Dia and well said. I particularly agree with the point about having an edge over other countries where English is not the first language. In today's global environment the ability to communicate clearly is not something to be underestimated.
Julie,
Nassau, Bahamas