Dear Editor,
It is appalling that we are callously treated to the butchery of our language by those who are supposed to be among the role models in its proper use. I am referring to our broadcasters. We are usually exposed to the media throughout the day and even at night and many of us listen to keep abreast of the numerous developments locally and around the world. There are those among us who may be developing their skill in the use of English, such as our youth, and those whose native language is not English, and who depend on the media as a guide. Hence the media should always disseminate information and entertainment using the best language. In Guyana it seems that any such dependence means the listener is standing on shifting sand.
It seems that broadcasters have reduced their job requirements to dressing smartly and mispronouncing what they read. Many of these words would become common to them if they watched or listened to uplifting and educational documentaries on CNN, BBC, NBC and Al Jazeera, to give some examples. Their mispronunciations are hard on the ears. The blame also lies with their management personnel. I would have thought that there would be supervised rehearsals for the broadcasters before they face the nation and the world. If there are rehearsals then surely their superior officers are incompetent.
I am not au fait with our schools’ present curricula, but if I am to go by hearsay, I understand that grammar is no longer taught. Is that even possible with English language still on the curriculum and the necessity for grammar as a guide in foreign language teaching?
Many leaders of organizations and government officials should also take foundation courses in grammar. What is apparent is the sense of complacency and contentment among these leaders and officials. They speak about tourism growing and becoming a major industry in Guyana, but they need to put our international colleagues at ease when they converse and not have them taken aback upon hearing faulty grammar so they become hesitant to engage intellectually.
Sloppy speech results in sloppy thinking – and vice versa – and even affects demeanour. These traits have permeated our society and are now manifest after festering for decades as a result of a decline in moral and social standards beginning in the 1970s. We need to treat this as a matter of urgency, as it is ultimately affecting everyone in our society seeking to be understood, to understand and to strive for excellence.
Yours faithfully,
Conrad Barrow
