Opinion

Switzerland has perfect way to deal with language barriers

With regard to the recent articles about the Irish language act I would like to mention that Switzerland has 40 languages centred in their own villages and districts within its tiny country. The villages are in cantons, which speak German, French, Austrian and the traditional ancient language. Rather than splash out on a very, very expensive all over language of Irish, Ulster Scots and the international language of English why not let the Irish, Ulster Scots and English have their spoken language and signs within their own villages. Where there are villages/town lands of a majority of preferred speakers join a Canton. This way it would not upset the different cultures of this diverse tiny island and keeping


costs down.


It would be so uplifting for this country to have a settlement and move on and meet the future head on for the sake of its very talented people and the next generation. While trying to understand the tribal differences everyone needs an identity, but as we have seen in so many countries throughout the world alienating one another or trying to impose another culture on another inhabitant doesn’t work. It only instils hatred and division and invariably rears its ugly head in the future. This is not a very good example to our young people who need to bring their diverse talents together while keeping their beloved identity – the majority of whom are working so hard to do this for a better future.


I would also like to mention that in Gascony their ancient language is fading and generally only spoken in the village homes. If the family wish to carry on with this tradition the children are sent for extra lessons in Gascon all paid for by the parents. Many children in schools, with the aid of extra lessons paid for by parents, are learning Mandarin while the Chinese are learning English. The French are paranoid about losing their language to American English and will only speak French in their towns and villages although they are taught English in the schools. We must remember that English is a combination of two languages Anglo Saxon and French Norman, which gives us the many double meanings making English a colourful language. We have a wonderful opportunity for prosperity. Let’s get this show on the road.


Good luck for the future thinking of the next generation who want to work and have a good life. 

JACQUELINE HAMILTON


Cookstown, Co Tyrone

Cave-in mentality alive and well within Sinn Féin

Over a year ago Sinn Féin brought down the Stormont institutions as a result of the RHI scandal and Arlene Foster’s perceived role in it.  But it was more than that and we were told on numerous occasions that there would be no return unless it was on the basis of equality. Issues the party raised that needed to be addressed included a Bill of Rights, marriage equality, legacy issues, that the party would not accept Arlene Foster as first minister until the RHI inquiry had reported and an Irish language act. After 13 months I want to commend and applaud Sinn Féin for its negotiating skills. According to Mary Lou McDonald the party had reached an accommodation with the DUP where there was no agreement on marriage equality, no agreement with the DUP on legacy issues, the issue of a Bill of Rights would be put out to a committee to consider and there would be an Irish language act but only by elevating the so-called Ulster Scots language onto equal par with the Irish language. 


In addition, informed sources suggest that Sinn Féin was prepared to accept Arlene Foster as first minister. If Sinn Féin was prepared to accept all of that people might ask what was the point in collapsing the institutions in the first place. Well the point was that Sinn Féin had played the role of subservient, second-class representatives for over 10 years and the electorate had become wise to it. The phrase “we have stretched ourselves” became the Sinn Féin characterisation of its cave-in negotiating over that period.  The disclosures made by Mary Lou McDonald indicate that cave-in mentality is alive and well in Sinn Féin.

The truth of the matter is that the GFA was a flawed agreement, used by Sinn Féin to argue that there is a peaceful and democratic route to a united Ireland.  Yet 20 years later the party has been unable to secure basic equality. 

SEAN O FIACH


Belfast BT11

Hysterical propaganda

Regarding TJ Carragher’s letter – ‘Trump interview not Piers Morgan’s finest hour’ (February 19) –the reason Piers probably did not mention the alleged ‘devious tactics’ by Russia is because there were no ‘devious tactics’ by Russia, that is left-wing hysterical propaganda designed to take the focus away from the now obvious dealings with Russia by the Democratic Party. Donald Trump did not sell American uranium to Russia, the Democratic Party that included Obama and Clinton sold uranium to Russia. Mr Carragher mentions the KKK in his letter and ‘why they like Trump so much’ Again he is totally misinformed. Hillary Clinton’s self-confessed ‘mentor’ was one Robert Byrd. Do a little research and you will discover that Robert Byrd was a high-ranking member of the KKK.

The Democratic Party in the US  have propagated hysterical untruths and innuendo since Trump’s inauguration. They refuse to accept the will of the people who democratically elected Trump. The Democrats were dealing with Russia long before Donald Trump emerged on the political scene.

P McCANN


Belfast BT12

Blinkered objectivity

So, we are no further forward in regard to being governed by our local political representatives. I find it difficult to understand why Sinn Féin & Co are making such an issue out of their desire to have the Irish language incorporated into the workings of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Now contrary to what some republicans may believe the majority of people on this small island, Catholic, Protestant and other faiths find no problem in getting on with their lives. I witness daily full cooperation between those of differing faiths. Yes, some undoubtedly have strong feelings towards their Irish/British allegiance  but assisting each other when the ‘chips are down’ and surprisingly including  crossing the threshold of each other’s church when the occasion arises, is a society that I enjoy being a part of.

Nothing can ever be achieved by blinkered objectivity.


Sinn Féin returning to the assembly would be a sign of strength, giving them to have the opportunity to let the people decide and  understand the reason or benefit the installation of the Irish language will be for everyone.

HARRY STEPHENSON


Kircubbin, Co Down

We should decentralise policy

In the midst of trying to resurrect Stormont – 20 years of time and money wasted – perhaps it would make greater sense for each council to decide whether or not to have Irish language legislature or not.

The two main parties are both looking over their shoulders – in more ways than one – and their hands are tied. Rather than keep this gravy train running, perhaps we need to break the ice a bit and decentralise policy.

With the state of the roads being the main discussion point in rural areas, it is doing a disservice to focus on the Beir Bua policies of the two chief protagonists.

DESMOND DEVLIN


Ardboe, Co Tyrone