The power of language is application
published: Tuesday | December 30, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I GREW up in Jamaica until I was 19 years old. While I was attending school in Jamaica the liberal arts aspect of the curriculum consisted of foreign languages such as Latin, Spanish, French and German and reflected true language diversities. I have no problem with speaking the indigenous language of my country but we must remember we do not live in a vacuum and to be globally competitive our ability to speak many languages gives us a competitive advantage.

To be bilingual or multilingual is always an asset but the power of any language is knowing when and how to apply your knowledge whether Patois or English; the strength is in timing, application and target audience.

I am in agreement with the Bible Society of the West Indies to translate the Bible into the indigenous language of the Jamaican people. In so doing the practical illustration can be seen in the day to day example of the people's life. If we were to focus on Jesus' method or model of teaching he uses the common day expressions of the time to impart clarity to his teaching, so the poor and the rich of the time understood.

I am etc.,

DERRICK O'REAGAN

kamjel@noln.com

Hillside Acres

East Stroudsburg PA

Via Go-Jamaica