The Editor, Sir:

It has become interesting to note the various arguments, both pros and cons, regarding the introduction of Patois as a language for Jamaica.

Personally, I think Patois is suited to informal situations, where friends are communicating with each other or when young children are gathering in social settings.

It seems that the people who seek to introduce Patois as a language are more interested in the financial aspect of such a decision. If it were to be officially accepted, it would mean that there would be a demand for books to be written, and re-written, to meet the curricula of schools and other official situations.

This would mean wealth for some intellectuals at relevant universities, and would be a compelling motive to introduce a new language to a society that already has trouble coping with an internationally well-spoken language, and the language of business and air travel (particularly pilots).

Limited resources

Wouldn't it be better for Jamaica to spend its limited resources on learning a language that will enhance its ability to compete in global business, and to communicate to a wide audience internationally?

Spanish and Chinese seem to be languages that are becoming more important because of emerging events both in Jamaica and abroad. This would suggest another avenue through which limited resources should be directed that would also enhance Jamaica's development.

I am, etc;

PATRICK BROWN

taeson_1@hotmail.com

Florida