Dear Editor,

Patois vs English has become a common discussion for various academics. Regular Jamaica Observer columnists have also conveyed their views on the matter, among them are Drs Franklin Johnston and Grace Virtue. As far as the discussion may take us, it is important to note that nobody is disputing the fact that we must learn English.

Performance in the English language CSEC exams is at about 63.7 per cent pass rate. The reports revealed that students understand the language but are weak in expression. The exam is in written form, but what about their ability to speak the language? There was an argument that, just as for Spanish, English language should have an oral component in the examination. Will that prove to be effective? Who knows?

Johnston in his Observer column emphasised the fact that politicians and celebrities should be role models for others to speak the language (English), but he failed to acknowledge an inconsequential aspect, that is, the home. Studies have shown that a baby can learn up to five languages simultaneously. With that being established, if we want to see people communicating ‘properly’ it starts from the home.

I can share from experience about a family that attends my church. Both parents speak the Jamaican patois predominantly. But when I heard their children speak, I was marvelled. I couldn’t help but ask if their child was in the US. What they did was to expose their children to television programming and they picked up vocabulary and pronunciation. Am I saying that we should eliminate the use the Jamaican patois? I will never suggest that.

Patois plays a significant role in our cultural heritage. It has been passed down from generations. What I have realised is that there is a stigma attached to speaking the language. Many times I have heard this question: “How yuh chat bad suh?” People, at times, even associate those who speak Patois to be of low status or bhuttos. English is important and so is Patois. I will suggest that we should develop mastery of the English language and use it when it is indeed necessary. At the same time, let us not view the Jamaican Creole as a problem, or as if something is wrong with it, for some things I can say in the Jamaican Creole will not have the same effect if spoken in standard English.

Kenroy Davis

Clark’s Town, Trelawny

kenroy_davis13@yahoo.com