By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterLIKE CHILDREN gathered around Miss Lou for 'Ring Ding' stories, members of the media heard her recite dialect and excerpts of stories yesterday during a rap session at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.
From the days of the tramcar and her first professional performance at the Ward Theatre in Kingston, to her first performance on the BBC's Caribbean Carnival in London, the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou), 83, recalled some of the highlights. And between the stories were important messages and appeals.
Described as Jamaica's foremost cultural icon, Miss Lou said that while it was important to retain the Jamaican dialect as an integral part of the local culture, teachers must make it their responsibility to teach English translations.
Comedian, Oliver Samuels agreed.
She said that very often, children were chided for using the Jamaican dialect, however, they were not taught the English translation. "English is something that has to be taught in school, but unfortunately I don't think that some of the persons who are disseminating it really know the roots of the language," Samuels said.
Miss Lou said that while, for her, the performing arts were God-given talents, academic training was integral to her success. "I had formal training so that I could learn the right movements," she said, while noting that many performers today were not proficient.
Notwithstanding, she said, there was an abundance of talent in Jamaica.
She urged that the Jamaican dialect be "respected" as a significant aspect of Jamaican culture. "We talking this language every day and people not taking care of it," she said.
The international folklorist and writer, who reside in Toronto, Canada, said she still engaged in activities of a cultural nature. She makes special addresses to various audiences and also facilitates visits from cultural performers.
Miss Lou, who arrived in the island on Tuesday, will be the guest of honour at this year's Emancipation and Independence activities. She departs on August 19.
