The Editor, Sir:

I'd like to take issue with the author of the 'Letter of the Day' for July 7. I have no knowledge of the good doctor's native language; to what extent it may be standardised in terms of spelling and pronunciation of the words. I know that for Jamaica there is no such standard. I also know that it is easier to communicate orally in Patois than it is to read and write.

As far as I know, the English alphabet is what is used to build words for Patois, which would, therefore, require a knowledge of the rules governing the alphabet system. In other words, a knowledge of English is required.

Choice, not necessity

It is of no small significance that Miss Lou, the godmother of Patois in Jamaica, was most articulate in her use of the English language. Joan Andrea Hutchinson, Fae Ellington, Dr Carolyn Cooper are all sailing in the same boat. For these individuals, Patois is a choice, not a necessity, which is more than can be said for the many Jamaicans who struggle with the English language.

I promise you, Patois isn't here to make things any easier for the average Jamaican who doesn't already have a command of the English language; it is more a delicacy for the amusement of the more affluent Jamaicans.

So, the issue of translating the Bible into Patois begs the question of: for whom?

I am, etc.,

CHARLES EVANS

charock01@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica

The July 7 'Letter of the Day', titled 'PM challenged on Patois Bible issue', by Dr Silvia Kouwenberg was an open letter to the prime minister. The writer said the PM mistakenly blamed the education system for its failure to impart to society the accepted language; and the society itself had failed to show its members that real benefits can be derived from a knowledge of English.