Images of the 70’s sitcom, Mind Your Language, came to mind as David Cameron iterated the importance of immigrants speaking English to enable an integrated and functional society. I really do agree with this and think learning the native language of the country you live in is only for your own benefit.
Within my own family, I am aware of so many elderly people who cannot speak English. There are also those in their 50’s whose English is so poor despite over 30 years in this country. All have their own limitations and problems as language becomes a real barrier in many parts of their lives.
I cannot imagine having to rely on family to translate medical, financial and legal procedures and documents. We all know how things get lost in translation. Having witnessed my grandfather’s life dependant upon the choices we made, and how, whichever member of family was with him would translate medical issues and procedures, I support the ability to speak English wholeheartedly.
A further issue is the containment of women by preventing them from learning to speak English. This oppression stems from a fear of what would happen to these women if they learnt English. They live in communities where they often do not need to and so the women carry on their lives speaking their own languages.
As my gran says now, “I wish I had learned English when I had the chance”.
Bunty
The Chatterjis Blog 