Contributor
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| Michael Spence |
There's a growing call to have Patois formalized in Parliament. The sentiment seems to be that Parliament is a domestic political dance hall, like, with little impact beyond the session. That view misses the point of what Parliament is for. It is not a talk show. It is the record where law, policy, and Jamaica’s positions in the world are set. The language used there has to carry beyond the chambers.
The Earth has 8.2 billion people. Patois comprehension is likely limited to 5 million, with 2 million people having daily utility. By comparison to the following:
- Mandarin: 1.4 billion indigenous speakers
- Spanish: 400 million
- English: 390 million
- Arabic: 340 million
Overall, English is used conversationally by over 3 billion people. That should guide what we teach in schools and what we include in CXC syllabi. English is the language of aviation, maritime, mathematics, science, and universal communication. It is the working language of trade, diplomacy, and access.
The local context can’t be ignored. Jamaica ranks among the most challenged in the Caribbean on key social indicators. It has one of the highest illiteracy rates, especially among males; one of the highest murder rates, and the 2nd lowest per capita GDP at US$7,000 (Jamaica is only above Haiti).
In that environment, language policy can’t be about vibes. It has to be about upward mobility, clarity, and global integration. Good thing most of our politicians in Parliament do not hold real economic/political power. But the language precedent they set does.
A balanced, intelligent position would be as stated below:
- A Patois translator in Parliament for accessibility and public inclusion. Allowing citizens to follow proceedings in the vernacular they use at home.
- The official language for interpretation, presentation, and record must always be English. That is the language of universal interpretation. It is what keeps us legible to investors, partners, and the diaspora.
- Add Mandarin and Spanish interpreters. The Chinese are now a major part of our daily wholesale and retail economic reality in the streets and elsewhere.
- Spanish is the second most spoken native language globally and is dominant across our region. “Ni hao” i.e. hello, “wah a gwaan”, “hola” . All three should be in the interpretation loop.
That would be innovative, practical, and forward-looking. Simply advocating for the use of Patois in Parliament is shortsighted. Inclusion is good, but lowering the standard of our official record is not.
We can honour the culture without capping the ambition. Use Patois to explain. Use English to govern. Use Mandarin and Spanish to trade. That’s how Jamaica, as a small country, "Bark di Trute" and speaks to a big world.
Written by
Michael Spence
Michael Spence is a graduate of Cornwall College and the University of the West Indies. He is a trained teacher, a sociologist, and a writer for Bark Di Trute.
Editor's Notes
Our leaders need to start using parliament to discuss strategic plans and enact laws that will be relevant for another 100 years or more. Parliament has become a fish market to entertain those who need very little to entertain them.
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