Dick's stance on Patois absurd
Published:Monday | October 3, 2011 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am still trying to understand the purpose of Devon Dick's column, 'God understands Patois', published last Thursday.
No doubt, if God can understand the Bible, he should be able to grapple with Patois. But I suspect that Dick's column is an attempt to lift this bastardised form of English to a level accepted in our primary and high schools, universities and polite society.
This is an absurd notion, because Patois cannot be understood unless one has a basic understanding of English. In other words, the foundation is the English language. Why go through the cost of teaching Patois when it would be easier to teach English?
I doubt that many of the so-called intellectuals who foist this mindlessness on us would be happy to have their children speaking or writing Patois in school or in any sophisticated environment. Anyone who attempts to read the Patois Bible will find it confusing, a chore to read, and lacking any literary beauty.
Patois should not be formalised in an already semi-literate society.
R. OSCAR LOFTERS
Kingston 8