The Editor, Sir:

WHAT IS ALL this nonsense about having a Bible in patois? Such a thing is baloney thickly sliced. English is the language of commerce, the most widely spoken language, why not place your energies on learning to read and write English. Where in the world do you expect to work at any decent job not being able to speak the language properly?

I do know that many people, not just Jamaicans, do not really speak proper English themselves in-cluding those from the mother country and at times it is the Jamaican accent they do not understand, just as one may not understand the Cockney that is being spoken by many in England and I am speaking from experience after living both in England and New York.

Ashamed

This has nothing to do with being ashamed of my heritage. I do sometimes speak it with my friends but having a Bible in patois is a complete waste of time. Our energies would be better spent in trying to learn and write the English language.

I was never denied a job because of my accent or not being able to speak English. Once I went in a store and the attendant said ''please do not ever change your accent I understand every word you say''. What if I was speaking in patois?

I am, etc.,

J. ELAINE McDONALD

J McD062658@optonline.net

Bronx, N.Y.

Via Go-Jamaica