The Editor, Sir:

The prospect of a 'Patois Bible' is an interesting one to me but has inherent limitations. As far as I know Patois has yet to be standardised - indeed it is still argued whether Patois is 'Patois' or 'Jamaican'. And there is a difference. One is only 'broken English' and the other is a fully fledged language with its own rules and grammar. With this in mind a Patois Bible may not be feasible - after all Patois is meant for speaking and hearing - not for reading.

That said I advocate the Patois Bible - Audio Version. I can just imagine the amazing entertainment value! Truly Patios isn't complete unless it is heard - the written word is well and good but the spoken word is where all the life and colour of Patois lie. Will it be cheaper to produce? Maybe. An electronic/digital audio version may require less raw material in the way of paper and distribution costs though it may require labour for the voicing, however, the value in the audio work may far exceed that of the print version and could lead to other possibilities.

Just remember - I said it first.

I am, etc.,

CRAIG YOUNG

mrrockcy@yahoo.com

Coventry, UK

Via Go-Jamaica

More Patois Bible letters on C8