EDITORIAL - Time and place for everything
The thrust to improve the education on every level is continuous and the majority of Barbadians can boast of at least a secondary education.
Our ancestors believed that with knowledge comes power and with that, education has always been at the forefront of Barbados’ development. Scholars and education officials throughout the years have stressed the need to embrace Standard English, since this is a standard that one becomes concerned with when thinking of communication, not only with your fellow countryman, but with those who visit.
This challenge comes occasionally to the forefront when members of the educated circle encourage our dialect as nothing to be ashamed of and further believe that it should be fully embraced as a part of our culture. While this may be true, and we encourage our countrymen to embrace that which is naturally theirs, we must be careful to remind our youth – particularly those who are still in the early stages of development – there is the ever present possibility that they would come into contact with people whose indigenous language is not ‘Bajan’. This is particularly important since Barbados is a tourism based economy and many who flock to our shores, even though they expect and welcome our dialect, oftentimes do not understand our jargon as they go about the business of enjoying what our country has to offer. This can lead to some frustrating exchanges.
This warning is also valid for all age groups who use ‘text language’ on a daily basis. For some, the lines have become so blurred when using this form of communication that it filters into formal situations. It is clear that the call to use the technologies and interests of the youth to educate them was answered. We all understand that education is of utmost importance, but the vehicles for delivering this education must be carefully analysed and vetted so that we can benefit fully from the them.
Therefore, the teaching, as well as the use of this necessary language must be done even more rigorously from at least primary level, and actively encouraged throughout secondary and tertiary levels if we are to expect a marked improvement in our communities and throughout the various levels within the working environment. A dismal picture of Barbadians’ grasp for the English Language is inadvertently painted when prominent members of society speak in public fora and their command of the language is faulty. Like other countries, Bajan dialect will always be present, but there is a time and place for dialect – which does not include formal or public occasions where everyone of varying educational backgrounds is expected to understand. We expect children to use dialect naturally and even text language, but they should understand from early, when and where it may be used.
The technology that we use daily should be used in the building of our education, especially oral education. This is in contrast to the constant warnings regarding the damaging effects of technology when children are not supervised. Technology can be a valuable asset to everyone if used to build rather than to destroy. The Barbados Advocate previously commented on the untapped advantages of technology and encouraged that it be properly supervised and taught in an environment where children can be entertained and at the same time encouraged to learn.
The marriage between technology and the education of various subjects is in full swing in Barbados. The fear of technology will become a thing of the past as we build on our understanding.