From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Patois or Jamaican Creole?
published: Sunday June 29, 2008
Desrine Cayol, Contributor
AS A specialist in translation theory with an avid interest in Caribbean culture and Creole languages, I would like to add my grain of salt to the debate regarding the 'Patois Bible project'.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The term 'Patois', of French origin, meaning 'rough speech', generally has negative connotations. So the very title of the article - 'Patois Bible' - would have undoubtedly stirred emotions.
Although most Jamaicans use the term 'Patois' to describe their language, linguists refer to our dialect as Jamaican Creole (JC).
Like many Jamaicans, I 'instinctively' argued against the need to teach Creole in Jamaican schools. I believed that it was unnecessary, as it would not be useful outside the country.
I argued that the main aim should be to attain mastery of English, the international language of commerce and trade."
"It is entirely the choice of the Bible Society of the West Indies to allocate its funds for a cause it deems worthy (and I dare say 'divinely ordained').
No, it is not a backward step.
All moves to standardise the language will help the nation."
&
"We are finally accepting that despite Jamaica's being labelled English-speaking, it is truly Creole-speaking.
This acceptance will give the needed thrust forward to help our fellowmen master the English language."
_____
Desrine Cayol is a faculty member in the department of English and modern languages at Northern Caribbean University
Showing posts with label patois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label patois. Show all posts
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
JO - Say no to patois
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Say no to patois
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Dear Editor,
The recent initiative by the Bible Society of the West Indies to translate the KJV Bible into patois has ignited much discussion about the pros and cons with regard to how much patois should be allowed in the mainstream.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Having the Bible and other publications written in both patois and standard English can serve to further inform and educate those sections of the population that are not verse in spoken or written standard English."
"If we are a self-reliant country that does not trade with the Europeans or the United States, then by all means teach and speak patois.
If when we travel overseas and can't understand written and verbal commands directed at us in standard English, then by all means continue to learn and speak patois.
When you apply for a job in a competitive market like tourism, banking or the private sector in which you have to interact with well-educated and persnickety consumers who always have alternative choices, if you think these companies will hire you to dissuade their customers from patronising their business, then continue to learn and speak patois."
&
"If one should be engaged in colloquies with foreign dignitaries in business or government, I doubt patois would be appropriate or even understood."
_____
Stewart Young stewartyoung11@hotmail.com
Jamaica Observer
Say no to patois
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Dear Editor,
The recent initiative by the Bible Society of the West Indies to translate the KJV Bible into patois has ignited much discussion about the pros and cons with regard to how much patois should be allowed in the mainstream.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Having the Bible and other publications written in both patois and standard English can serve to further inform and educate those sections of the population that are not verse in spoken or written standard English."
"If we are a self-reliant country that does not trade with the Europeans or the United States, then by all means teach and speak patois.
If when we travel overseas and can't understand written and verbal commands directed at us in standard English, then by all means continue to learn and speak patois.
When you apply for a job in a competitive market like tourism, banking or the private sector in which you have to interact with well-educated and persnickety consumers who always have alternative choices, if you think these companies will hire you to dissuade their customers from patronising their business, then continue to learn and speak patois."
&
"If one should be engaged in colloquies with foreign dignitaries in business or government, I doubt patois would be appropriate or even understood."
_____
Stewart Young stewartyoung11@hotmail.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
JO - We could yet become a nation of bilinguals
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
We could yet become a nation of bilinguals
By Kadene Porter
Saturday, June 28, 2008
We Jamaicans are confused about matters relating to our patois. We are unsure of how to position it, whether to acknowledge it officially as part of our national identity, or to keep it in its place in a box marked "Broken English".
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Few of us seem to realise that what we now hold up as "Standard English" was in its infancy one of hundreds of the regional dialects spoken in England, and like our patois, went through similar rites of passage before a single form emerged, or was chosen, as the standard.
Our colourful "patwa" is perhaps going through its own historical Middle Passage, where after years of pondering over its standardisation, making it a national language is still cause for a feverish debate, especially with the Bible being translated into this our "heart" language.
For as long as we entertain the notion that this is not a valid language with its own set of rules, and is merely broken English, we will continue to experience the same frustrations with the low number of passes in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) school-leaving tests, and the inability of the masses to enter the global sphere of communication and commerce.
It has been said that "patwa" is an English-based dialect, so we should not have much difficulty learning English, but ironically it is the familiarity with English that breeds our handicap."
Jamaica Observer
We could yet become a nation of bilinguals
By Kadene Porter
Saturday, June 28, 2008
We Jamaicans are confused about matters relating to our patois. We are unsure of how to position it, whether to acknowledge it officially as part of our national identity, or to keep it in its place in a box marked "Broken English".
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Few of us seem to realise that what we now hold up as "Standard English" was in its infancy one of hundreds of the regional dialects spoken in England, and like our patois, went through similar rites of passage before a single form emerged, or was chosen, as the standard.
Our colourful "patwa" is perhaps going through its own historical Middle Passage, where after years of pondering over its standardisation, making it a national language is still cause for a feverish debate, especially with the Bible being translated into this our "heart" language.
For as long as we entertain the notion that this is not a valid language with its own set of rules, and is merely broken English, we will continue to experience the same frustrations with the low number of passes in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) school-leaving tests, and the inability of the masses to enter the global sphere of communication and commerce.
It has been said that "patwa" is an English-based dialect, so we should not have much difficulty learning English, but ironically it is the familiarity with English that breeds our handicap."
Saturday, March 14, 2009
JG - Patois, Bible and translation
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Patois, Bible and translation
published: Sunday June 22, 2008 R. Anthony Lewis, Contributor
The perennial 'patois' debate is on again, triggered this time by a Jamaica Observer news report on June 16, of a $60 million project to translate the Bible into the Jamaican vernacular. As one of the few who have studied and written on translation and creolisation, with an emphasis on Jamaican Creole, I feel impelled to enter this debate.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"One of the consequences of translation on a language is its standardisation.
Because of the history of European Christian colonisation of much of the world, this process has been achieved primarily through biblical texts.
Notwithstanding the necessary and apropos post-colonial critique of the evangelising-cum-civilising mission of colonial Christianity, in many developing countries, particularly in Africa, Bible translation has played a significant role in transforming hitherto unwritten languages into tools of literacy and education."
&
"One spinoff of this missionary activity was the strengthening of local languages.
Because of the variety of text types present in the Bible - from poetry and song to wisdom sayings and dream narratives - its translation into any language provided a point of reference for language use in a variety of text contexts.
These and the wide range of vocabulary necessary for translation stretched the language, forcing it to convey a wider range of ideas and concepts.
This link between translation and language standardisation has a long history.
One has only to look at the work of the Reformation translators, particularly that of Martin Luther, chief reformer and, according to Daniel Baggioni, 'language maker'.
Luther's work was an essential departure point in a Europe-wide quest to break free from the stranglehold of Catholic Latin over people whose first languages were vernaculars akin to our Creole."
Jamaica Gleaner
Patois, Bible and translation
published: Sunday June 22, 2008 R. Anthony Lewis, Contributor
The perennial 'patois' debate is on again, triggered this time by a Jamaica Observer news report on June 16, of a $60 million project to translate the Bible into the Jamaican vernacular. As one of the few who have studied and written on translation and creolisation, with an emphasis on Jamaican Creole, I feel impelled to enter this debate.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"One of the consequences of translation on a language is its standardisation.
Because of the history of European Christian colonisation of much of the world, this process has been achieved primarily through biblical texts.
Notwithstanding the necessary and apropos post-colonial critique of the evangelising-cum-civilising mission of colonial Christianity, in many developing countries, particularly in Africa, Bible translation has played a significant role in transforming hitherto unwritten languages into tools of literacy and education."
&
"One spinoff of this missionary activity was the strengthening of local languages.
Because of the variety of text types present in the Bible - from poetry and song to wisdom sayings and dream narratives - its translation into any language provided a point of reference for language use in a variety of text contexts.
These and the wide range of vocabulary necessary for translation stretched the language, forcing it to convey a wider range of ideas and concepts.
This link between translation and language standardisation has a long history.
One has only to look at the work of the Reformation translators, particularly that of Martin Luther, chief reformer and, according to Daniel Baggioni, 'language maker'.
Luther's work was an essential departure point in a Europe-wide quest to break free from the stranglehold of Catholic Latin over people whose first languages were vernaculars akin to our Creole."
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
JO - Controversy heightens over planned patois Bible
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Controversy heightens over planned patois Bible
BY RHOMA TOMLINSON Sunday Observer writer editorial@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, June 22, 2008
PREDICTABLY an Observer lead story last Monday titled "Patois Bible" has set off a raging controversy, never far below the surface, over the usefulness of recognising the Jamaican dialect or patois as a formal language.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The plan by the Bible Society of the West Indies to publish a patois version of the Bible, that will cost $60 million and take 12 years to complete, sparked a flood of letters to the editor from Jamaicans at home and abroad and occupied large chunks of talk show air time last week.
While some persons see the move as brilliant, and a big step in championing the cause of the Jamaican language, critics have denounced it as a waste of time, effort and money.
In any event, they argue, a patois version of the Bible would not be taken seriously and would somehow undermine the sacredness of the holy Scriptures."
&
"(I)f some Jamaicans are uncertain about the legitimacy of Jamaican patois and whether it should be used to translate the Bible, academics in the United Kingdom are embracing it as a full-fledged language.
Last year, the University of Birmingham introduced a Jamaican patois course, the first of its kind in the world."
Jamaica Observer
Controversy heightens over planned patois Bible
BY RHOMA TOMLINSON Sunday Observer writer editorial@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, June 22, 2008
PREDICTABLY an Observer lead story last Monday titled "Patois Bible" has set off a raging controversy, never far below the surface, over the usefulness of recognising the Jamaican dialect or patois as a formal language.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The plan by the Bible Society of the West Indies to publish a patois version of the Bible, that will cost $60 million and take 12 years to complete, sparked a flood of letters to the editor from Jamaicans at home and abroad and occupied large chunks of talk show air time last week.
While some persons see the move as brilliant, and a big step in championing the cause of the Jamaican language, critics have denounced it as a waste of time, effort and money.
In any event, they argue, a patois version of the Bible would not be taken seriously and would somehow undermine the sacredness of the holy Scriptures."
&
"(I)f some Jamaicans are uncertain about the legitimacy of Jamaican patois and whether it should be used to translate the Bible, academics in the United Kingdom are embracing it as a full-fledged language.
Last year, the University of Birmingham introduced a Jamaican patois course, the first of its kind in the world."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
JG - Why they want a Patois Bible
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Why they want a Patois Bible
published: Sunday June 22, 2008
Yorke (left) and Popjes
Mark Dawes, Religion Editor
The people at the Bible Society of the West Indies and Wycliffe Bible Translators Caribbean have been beside themselves with glee. Why? They have never had it so good. Their Patois Bible project is getting a lot of publicity in the news media. That's publicity these faith-based organisations could never pay for. The Patois Bible project began in the early 1990s. It was spearheaded by the Bible Society of the West Indies. Partners in the project included Wycliffe Bible Translators Caribbean and the University of the West Indies.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The main concern of opponents of the project is that there has been a severe deterioration in the average Jamaican's ability to speak proper English, and the promotion of Patois will not help that process.
Some of those opposed to the Patois Bible project feel that there are enough understandable English translations of the Bible - accordingly, there is no need for another version - especially the scriptures in Patois."
Jamaica Gleaner
Why they want a Patois Bible
published: Sunday June 22, 2008
Yorke (left) and Popjes
Mark Dawes, Religion Editor
The people at the Bible Society of the West Indies and Wycliffe Bible Translators Caribbean have been beside themselves with glee. Why? They have never had it so good. Their Patois Bible project is getting a lot of publicity in the news media. That's publicity these faith-based organisations could never pay for. The Patois Bible project began in the early 1990s. It was spearheaded by the Bible Society of the West Indies. Partners in the project included Wycliffe Bible Translators Caribbean and the University of the West Indies.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The main concern of opponents of the project is that there has been a severe deterioration in the average Jamaican's ability to speak proper English, and the promotion of Patois will not help that process.
Some of those opposed to the Patois Bible project feel that there are enough understandable English translations of the Bible - accordingly, there is no need for another version - especially the scriptures in Patois."
Friday, February 6, 2009
JO - 'If dem sneeze a foreign, wi catch cold'
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
'If dem sneeze a foreign, wi catch cold'
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Dear Editor,
In recent times we have acknowledged the role remittances play in our economy. The formal economy is estimated to be over 40 per cent of our GDP.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Remittances provide more foreign exchange than foreign direct investments and other sectors of our economy.
Many people overseas will argue that remittances are the backbone of the Jamaican economy and that these allow families to maintain and often increase expenditure on basic consumption, investment, housing, education, and small-business formation."
"The USA is undergoing a massive recession and oil shocks, worsened by anti-immigration laws, US job cuts and a housing slump. Americans and other First-World countries from which we receive remittances will cut back on spending, hence we will feel the brunt of such actions."
&
"Remittances offer no incentive to work, hence they stifle potential benefits that could assist the economy such as taxes and entrepreneurial skills."
Jamaica Observer
'If dem sneeze a foreign, wi catch cold'
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Dear Editor,
In recent times we have acknowledged the role remittances play in our economy. The formal economy is estimated to be over 40 per cent of our GDP.
Read the whole letter here.
Snippet(s):
"Remittances provide more foreign exchange than foreign direct investments and other sectors of our economy.
Many people overseas will argue that remittances are the backbone of the Jamaican economy and that these allow families to maintain and often increase expenditure on basic consumption, investment, housing, education, and small-business formation."
"The USA is undergoing a massive recession and oil shocks, worsened by anti-immigration laws, US job cuts and a housing slump. Americans and other First-World countries from which we receive remittances will cut back on spending, hence we will feel the brunt of such actions."
&
"Remittances offer no incentive to work, hence they stifle potential benefits that could assist the economy such as taxes and entrepreneurial skills."
Friday, January 9, 2009
JO - Use of English
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Use of English
Monday, November 17, 2008
Dear Editor,
While I am not one of those who decry the speaking of patois as a threat to the mastery of English, I am a stickler for the correct use of English. One of your columns last Wednesday bears the headline, "Anatomy of an historic election".
Read the whole article here.
Jamaica Observer
Use of English
Monday, November 17, 2008
Dear Editor,
While I am not one of those who decry the speaking of patois as a threat to the mastery of English, I am a stickler for the correct use of English. One of your columns last Wednesday bears the headline, "Anatomy of an historic election".
Read the whole article here.
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