Bonnetts Brittons Hill

St.Micheal , Bridgetown
9th October, 2016

Ilaro Court
Two Mile Hill,
St.Michael, Bridgetown

Dear The Right Honourable Freundel Stuart, PM,

Recently, there has been an uprise of arguments regarding the

language in which the constitution is written. Many people may
argue that Standard English should be the chosen form to which it
should be written. However, I am requesting that the constitution be
written in both Standard English and Creole, due to the fact that
Creole is a way of culture, it is one of the two languages by which
Barbadians communicate and Creole is quickly developing both
regionally and internationally.

In the first instance, in the past, many slaves have been thought
that Creole was backward, substandard, inferior, lacked prestige,
and simply horrible English from their respective slave masters.
However, today many Barbadians and West Indians have accepted
the fact that Creole is none of these things but, simply culture.
Creole is a major aspect in Barbadian culture. For example, it allows
people from all walks of life to socialise as one. Creole is a language
of unity! Additionally many young children learn Creole before
mastering the art of speaking Standard English.This indicates that
this language is widely used in a community and is acquired by
children as their native language.Hence, creole gives a person social
identity and everyone should be proud of it.

Secondly, many Barbadians are considered to be bilingual. Many

people may argue that English is the only language spoken in
Barbados, However, I beg to differ. Creole languages all adhere to
linguistic features, have fully developed vocabulary and syntax and
definitely have a distinct system of verbal expression. These aspects
all categorize Creole as being a fully fledged language. Despite
many Barbadians being bilingual there are also some who are
monolingual. Many may speak only Creole and so they cannot relate
to a Standard English constitution. Therefore, by giving Creole legal
status allows for more citizens to be able to relate to and follow the
laws of the constitution.
Finally, Creole, like all languages, is dynamic and maturational. Not
only is the language changing and developing, it is also being used
more both regionally and internationally. For example, Many people
around the globe are learning Creole through music, drama, media
and other various aspects. This allows for people to learn the history
of Creole as the use of this language is developing. Therefore, if
others are embracing our language? Then why shouldn't we
ourselves show our love for our language?

All in all, the world is changing, language is changing and with that
there is a necessity for Creole to be given legal status as it is the
way of life of Barbadians, a major aspect of communication and its
use is quickly developing globally. With almost 50 years of freedom
we need to embrace our culture and show our love for our county
and its language.

Sincerely yours,

Janiah Drakes