THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a Ghanaian living and working in Jamaica for a couple of years now. It is with much pride and hope for the future that I write to 'big up' Kala Nneka Grant, after reading her letter on Patois as a liberating language in the February 11 edition of The Gleaner. Nuff respect to her and thumbs up for that masterpiece.
I dare say that Mr. Russell's way of thinking is not 'backward' but rather a chronic case of mental slavery. Indeed, how excellent the English have done in conditioning and mis-educating the likes of Mr. Russell. His belief of our ancestor's inability to pronounce English properly is outright animal talk this translated in Twi of the Akan language, reads 'mmoa sem'.
Without any doubt, the way forward is to respect and acknowledge the effectiveness of Patois. With all due respect, some Jamaicans don't even want to speak Patois. Yes! I can attest to the fact that some yardies feel a sense of shame to speak Patois in public, much less when you 'bump into them ina fareign'.
The overwhelming traces of West African languages that up to date are found in Patois, cannot be over-emphasised.
Certainly, hearing some words and expressions in Patois puts me in a 'nostalgic mood'. Words like: chaka chaka (messy); dokuno; bissy (kola nut); sey fay (dare to talk), are not new to those who presently speak the Ga and Akan language in Ghana.
Even with regards to the good old trickster, Kweku Ananse, some yardies don't know of its origin. Mi haffi lego dah one yah fi Mr. Russell: 'duppy know who fi frighten.' In simple terms, as DYCR will poetically put it, "How sweet is moral sovereignty and the natural goodness of life". Nuff said.
I am etc.,
NANA KOFI
strictlyebony@yahoo.com
