THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WILL take a quick look at the reasoning used by Mr. Chester Burgess in treating the Jamaican language with such disdain. At the outset, I must agree that in the strict sense of the word, our communication process has not yet developed to the stage to be considered by purists as a language.
I notice, however, that Mr. Burgess did not enlighten us as to the origin of English. The much-vaunted English, was, in bygone days, seen as the method by which barbaric people communicated. The French and others looked down on the use of broken French and other tongues in the same manner that Mr. Burgess and others of like persuasion are now doing as it relates to the Jamaican language.
It is a good thing those people persevered; had they followed advice such as that being promoted in Mr. Burgess' piece, no one would be speaking English today.
I implore my fellow Jamaicans to continue to use their very colourful language. It is marvellous the way we express ourselves. Many people worldwide seem to enjoy it. A prophet - and I might add, an idea - is not without honour, save in his/its country and among his/its own kindred.
I deliberately wrote this response in English because I would really like Mr. Burgess to read it. If I knew the written Jamaican language as well as Miss Lou, I might have been tempted to express myself accordingly.
I am, etc.,
IZETT GORDON
izettg@reallifecomputers.com
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Via Go-Jamaica
