The Editor, Sir:

The lowest common denominator seems to be the standard for our students, especially regarding the spoken language. There seems to be the need for everyone to be brought to the same level, thus let's not try to be proficient in the English language; let's just all use patios and the recently invented clichés and expressions as a means to communicate.

Dr Ragashanti having got a wonderful education is making his contribution to install ghetto speak ... as he frequently refers to be the way of speaking that's ok. However, in this oft-mentioned global world, only Jamaicans will understand Jamaicans.

I am, etc.,

JOHN CHRISTIAN

sandhurst@bellsouth.net

Miami, Florida