The Editor, Sir:

The English Language is the most widely used language for business and commerce internationally and except for the US$ it is the most widely used 'currency' worldwide. I believe we, Jamaicans, have received two things of value from British colonialism: protestantism and the English language.

Jamaica has historically been a society stratified by race and/or social class; what the Spanish started the British perfected. Class stratification is not, however, unique to Jamaica. This is found all over the world especially in so-called rich countries in Europe and North America.

In Jamaica one's social class is usually accurately determined by the ease with which one uses or abuses the English Language. It is, therefore, full time for our government to start a speak English campaign in order to break down the social barriers; there is no greater social leveller than the ability to speak the English language fluently.

Start from the home

This is how it should be sold to parents and children who may be understandably reluctant to learn what they consider an unnecessary language as they already know the vernacular/Jamaican which is used on a daily basis.

Parents have to be solid on the idea because they will have to encourage their children to practise speaking English at home and especially at school in order for them to master the skill. I would respectfully recommend the speak English campaign to the Ministry of Education.

I am, etc.,

CARLOS KING

carlos.r.king@hotmail.com

Old Harbour

St. Catherine