THE EDITOR, Sir:
MANY YEARS ago, I found pleasure in watching a particular television series that was aired on TVJ. However, much as I enjoyed the programme, I would cringe every time it was being promoted by the station. The programme: Beverly Hills 90210. My problem rested in the pronunciation (Beverly Hills 9-oh-2-1-oh). I now find it hard to believe that your reader, Marion Blackwell, has actually chosen to debate a previous letter regarding the use of the letter 'O' as a substitute for 'zero' when quoting telephone numbers.
What is distressing is Blackwell's opposition to an attempt to right a wrong on the basis that there are more important things to worry about. It is our reluctance to correct minor wrongs that oftentimes lead to larger problems. Chaos does not occur overnight. It is a culmination of smaller transgressions and our willingness to turn a blind eye when, indeed, we should not. So today we tell the world that it is okay to say 'oh' instead of 'zero' because, after all, this is the practice in Canada, the UK, Australia, Ghana, South Africa, etc (and I seriously doubt this claim).
Eventually we can say it is not necessary to teach English Language in schools; let students speak and write the way that feels right to them. Who cares if 'h' is added to words that begin with a vowel (we understand what the speaker is trying to say)? Who cares if someone writes 'been' for 'being' (I have seen this many times)? Who cares if a 'playwright' becomes a 'playwrite' (doesn't stop him from writing plays)? Who cares if we say 'data is' rather than 'data are' (the former method does sound correct)?
I care! The fact that the practice is widespread (?) in Canada is not an excuse for us to adopt it. I agree wholeheartedly with the first writer; if it is zero say 'zero'. There is nothing wrong with showing the world that we can do some things right. There is nothing wrong with maintaining high standards. Let's preserve the language.
I am etc.,
DONALD BURGESS
dgtburgess@yahoo.com
Amity Box 326
Savanna La Mar P.O.
Via Go-Jamaica
