Here’s how I see things…
If you are learning a second language, the best way to do so is to immerse yourself in the language. Many recommend actually living in the country in which the language is spoken. But if you pocket bruk (like mine) you can opt to find an alternative in your own country which must include conversations in that language for a prolonged period of time. The acknowledgement that this is a second language that, therefore, is subjected to different rules also puts you in the frame of mind for studying and learning this language well.
The problem is that English Language is being treated like the first language in Jamaica, when it shouldn’t. It shouldn’t because the students that typically fail this subject grew up speaking and listening to Jamaican Patois. They are constantly exposed to this dialect and use it as the primary method of oral and written conversation (text messages, Facebook and Twitter) between friends.
But when they go to English class, it is assumed that Standard English is the first language of these students and they are taught in this manner. Once they leave that classroom, it is back to their native tongue. An even worse assumption is the one made by the students themselves that English is their main language. They think this because it what they are told but it is evidently not so. This thought gives them the mentality that English doesn’t have to be studied the way they would study other subjects.
Additionally, teachers of other subjects treat English as an isolated case to be handled only by English teachers. When marking essays and papers, they often choose to avoid grammatical and spelling errors (expect in severe cases), and focus on the subject matter at hand. While it’s debatable if this is a wrong approach, it’s certainly not helping.
So unless we choose to enforce English Language in all facets of a child’s social and academic life (like my prep school did), we can expect the problem of low grades to continue for a long time forward.
What are your thoughts on this matter?
As an English teacher, I can say that teachers don’t approach the subject like this anymore, perhaps when we were at school, but not now!
We are aware of Jamaica’s language policy regarding the teaching of English to our students but the uniqueness of the situation lies not in how the language is taught but in how persons view Jamaica’s first language, the creole.
You see, in order to teach a second language you must use the learner’s first language and allow them to make the connections between the two. If I ever open my mouth in a classroom and say one sentence in Creole, I would be labeled a ‘bad teacher’. Our view as a nation differs from what linguists and university professors have to say about our unique situation in which we use words/lexicon for several languages to create our own, but because it resembles English so much, Jamaican creole isn’t considered a language by Jamaicans. Ever other nations sees and accepts that except our own.
Its quite complex, even more than I just noted is involved. So people need to stop dictating to teachers how to do their job and try to see how they can help us help them and Jamaica’s future.
That’s very interesting Krish. Now that you mention the ‘usage of first language’ concept I notice how right you are. How is it that recommend us helping teachers? I think that’s the point we are all stumped on.
With English there are rules that govern how it is to be spoken and written. That is not the case with patois. People tend to make their own variation to writing our language (though Hubert Devonish has created a writing style for our language)
Here is the problem…do you think anyone in Jamaica would actually write patois? Of course not!!! It is more of an oral language than a written one. Plus no Vaz or Azan or Holness child is going to try to learn patois, esp. when luckily for them, English is their first language. And one curriculum works for every school, uptown or downtown.
So until that happens, until we decide to embrace all of Jamaican creole, we will never be able to truly teach in a perfect second language situation.
How can ppl help teachers… stop downplaying the importance of patois in our society (esp. upper class).
As a Canadian who has lived in Quebec for most of my life, I find the discussion in Jamaica re: Creole/Patwa/Jamaican fascinating. It’s generally accepted that the first years of education be taught in the child’s mother tongue and a second language be introduced after the child is comfortable with education and learning. Enforcement of a universal English environment for children is something that Canada tried–with First Nations people. We now realize that this was a complete undermining of an entire culture’s identity and was part of a hideous attempt to destroy a culture and a people. And Canada is not unique. Jamaica should celebrate Patwa, teach in Patwa and introduce English as a second language. I’m with Krish–and I’ve also worked as an English teacher for quite some time.
Yes, I’m seeing where this does make sense to treat it as a second language but teach in Patois…I don’t see us going there.
Shame, really–especially since countries like Kenya and Senegal have moved in this direction (not to mention Haiti–and it’s a big part of their development efforts as of recently). I see what you mean about not seeing Jamaica moving in that direction, but, at the same time, I think that Jamaicans want what is best for their children (and the country). Finding new and innovative ways to improve education is always on the table.