Jamaican Creole - More than mistress (linguistic side gyal) material

Frankly, it seems like Jamaican Creole is what I will call the linguistic 'side gyal' while English is 'wife material'. The ‘side gyal’, who I will call Patwa-eesha, might perform all the crucial functions necessary for survival and a happy life. However, you can’t bring her home to meet your mother and the family. She cannot cope at the dining table at Christmas dinner. She does not fit the status quo. Enter Miss English - nice and decent. What happens? Miss English gets the ring. Patwa-eesha, in the meantime, provides fun on the side. That’s a nice orderly world. Why would we want to change it?

Consider this: It's perfectly okay to use Jamaican Creole to pander to the populace during elections, to use it as part of ad campaigns for profit generation or to use it in songs to add ‘vibes’ to the countless parties in Jamaica. However, assert the right of Creole to become official, to be legitimized on paper and in practice and the naysayers will find every way to decry its legitimacy or to circumvent its integration into the teaching and learning of English in Jamaica. Even more interesting is how linguists, experts in their field, are denigrated for their recommendations. Imagine: “A dat dem riili go stodi a kalij? Luk ou dem mek edikieshon ton dem ina iidiat.” Interestingly, their ability to make well meaning decisions are called into question, quite unlike how eagerly we take pills prescribed by doctors or take legal counsel from lawyers.

Apparently Jamaican Creole only deserves 'side gyal' status. The irony, though, is that the pedestal upon which English is now perched has its foundation laid in a history that would be quite eye opening if the naysayers and detractors would avail themselves of such knowledge. Simply put, English was once a linguistic 'side gyal'. It, too, suffered the same dilemma that Creole now faces. Just look at it now!

The time has come for us to have robust consultations between the government and linguists. The move to grant both languages official status is long overdue. Our country’s ability to be a key player in the international domain depends on these consultations. Far from being a linguistic ‘side gyal' Jamaican Creole is an embodiment of our culture, our ancestry and all the potential we can unearth in the pedagogical landscape. Do you find that hard to believe? Ask English.

Melissa McKenzie, MA, is Head of the Department of English, Old Harbour High School. Send feedback to editorial@oldharbournews.com