EDITORIAL: Let’s break the language barrier

For several years now there have been repeated calls for Barbadians to develop their language skills, and in spite of the calls not only coming from those in academia, but the political directorate, there has not been a concerted effort made in that direction.

 

We consider this to be an unfortunate reality, as the country could surely benefit from its workforce becoming bilingual or even multilingual. Barbados prides itself on having a sound tourism product that attracts people from all over the world, and having a burgeoning international business sector that makes the island a preferred domicile – these are two of the main reasons why this country could benefit from its people expanding their language base.

 

But, while the inclination would be for people to pick up Spanish as a second language (it is the second most widely spoken language in the world), and Barbadians should develop a solid oral and practical knowledge of it, learning other languages such as French and Chinese should also be more widely encouraged. We believe that Portuguese should also not be left out, even though flights between Barbados and Sao Paulo were suspended just this month. It was said they are reevaluating that relationship and so GOL, Brazil’s largest airline which brought in excess of 25,000 people to this country during the five years it flew here, could be landing at GAIA again soon.

 

The stark reality is that quite often Barbados can be found signing bilateral and air services agreements with other countries, which will result in citizens of those countries coming here for leisure and business, and it is imperative that we can effectively communicate with them. Indeed, while the relevant authorities must be commended for introducing Spanish at the level of the primary schools, if we are to really capitalise on the opportunities before us, it is necessary that this move beyond that level.

 

Face facts, we live in a region populated by Spanish, French and Portuguese speaking nations, and we only speak English. How ludicrous is that? It is unacceptable, and perhaps a directive is needed from the powers that be to change this.

 

Perhaps it is time that we make studying a foreign language compulsory and not leave it as an option for our students. It is disheartening that in the year 2016, secondary school students are not being encouraged to broaden their horizons in this area, so that when third form students are selecting what they want to pursue at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level, languages are optional. Do we not realise that we are reducing the marketability of these future workers? And one day the CARICOM region will have full free movement; do we not see that by remaining monolingual we are hindering Barbadians’ potential to excel?

 

But learning other languages is more than about enhancing your resume. Some experts say it makes you more intelligent and even improves your English. There is even evidence to suggest that being bilingual can keep dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay, and with the life expectancy in this country over well over 70 years, this could be a plus. Added to that, just a few years ago the United Kingdom-based University of Edinburgh suggested that bilingualism, even when acquired in adulthood, may benefit the aging brain. Based on all the above, we firmly believe the benefits are too numerous not to pursue.