Some individuals should be put on trial for having foisted a monumental deception on an entire generation of Barbadians. These perpetrators have touted the belief, directly or indirectly, that it is appropriate to speak the Barbadian dialect, re-christened Nation Language, at all times no matter what the occasion.What I find more than interesting, meanwhile, is that many of those advocating this pervasive use of the dialect are themselves proficient in the use of the English language. For this hypocrisy alone their sentencing should be severe.These thoughts came to me out of my recent conversation with a Trinidadian teacher who is also a CXC marker of English Language, as I was for several years. The conversation started off in a rather light-hearted manner. We were discussing the ways in which we could spot the nationalities of students from their writing style.I for one had no difficulty distinguishing some of the Jamaican scripts. For example, students one year were required to write a short story on the topic The Strange Flower Vendor. While experience had taught us that it was a major error to anticipate how students would interpret any given topic, we were flabbergasted at how many licks the poor Jamaican vendor received just for turning up in an area where he was not known. Absolutely nothing in the students’ portrayal of character or plot suggested that the vendor had even a single ulterior motive. It was enough that he was unfamiliar.Then again, I suppose a man having the temerity to walk around selling flowers in a Jamaican setting would surely have placed himself among the endangered species.But back to my main point. The discussion continued and then the young lady commented, “We know the Bajan scripts. The students write how they speak.” She must have noticed my stricken look. I felt little consolation from the possibility that the centre at which she marked may not have been receiving the best of the Barbadian scripts. Her comment added to my distress. I had learnt fairly recently that Barbadian students are now required to take an EFL course (English as a Foreign Language) when applying for entry into some universities overseas. Why? They “write how they speak”. And they do not speak English.I am aware of the ideology that promotes the preeminence of Nation Language: English is the language of the oppressor; it is a leftover of colonial control; the use of one’s own language is surely a mark of Independence; Bajan is we culture, we t’ing.And of course I understand that both culturally and linguistically, we express ourselves in our natural speech rhythms. Our dialect is an intrinsic part of who we are. But, cuh’ dear, is the English language not also the vehicle of international trade and commerce?
The language of text books and official documents and so on? Have we really lost all sense of occasion? Is this “dialect-rebellion” a symptom of the general breakdown in discipline throughout the society?Which brings me, strangely enough, to the subject of cricket about which I can claim no expert knowledge. With the game in such obvious crisis, however, even I may be allowed to throw my hat into the ring. I recommend that potential players be required to take a special two-year course in English language and literature. Just as cricket is governed by rules, so is language. The players must know these rules of language and how to apply them in essay form. Additionally, in the same way that cricketers are required to “read” their game, they would be taught to analyse and interpret literature texts, recognising the nuances that are not immediately obvious. An oral component would be included in the course; students must be able to verbalise what they understand and do so clearly. I guarantee that with serious application, the mental discipline accruing from this exercise would produce cricketers with greater ability to see how the various parts of the field relate to the whole. Having studied in drama texts the techniques of characterisation and motivation, players should also be better able to anticipate the opponent’s next move and respond with greater accuracy.Cricketers would now be playing “from the neck up”. Moreover, depending on the choice of texts, the qualities of courage, integrity and determination could become increasingly evident.Far-fetched? With cricket in its present state, my guess is as good as yours. • Esther Phillips is an educator, poet, and editor of BIM: Arts For The 21st Century; email [email protected]
