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garinda · 01-09-2006, 23:37

Recently I received a leaflet from Hyndburn Borough Council about how we can contact our councillors.

Fair enough.

Why though, as on most council documentation, does the information come in two other languages besides English?

Even on the bloody re-cycling sacks the instructions about what can be included are trilingual.

If I emigrated to France I would have to speak, and be able to read French, or employ someone to interpret for me. There is no way would I expect or be offered information in my mother tongue.

Where will this divisive and patronising trilingualism end?

Will Hyndburn become like Wales, where all road signs are in Welsh and English?

I also feel it is wrong to have sections of public libraries that are given over to languages other than English, other than for educational purposes. Again as an example if I moved to Morocco I wouldn't expect to be offered books in a public lending library in my own language, I'd have to buy them or assimilate with the local population and learn the language.

I have absolutely no problem with classes being taught to help people with their English, but I find it very, very patronising for offical bodies to offer forms in anything other than English.

I can understand the need for information to reach all members of the community, but in England it should be in English.

01-09-2006, 23:37	#1
garinda Give, give, give member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Overlookin' ducks & geese Posts: 32,411 Blog Entries: 293 Liked: 27 times Rep Power: 16469	Trilingual Britain. Recently I received a leaflet from Hyndburn Borough Council about how we can contact our councillors. Fair enough. Why though, as on most council documentation, does the information come in two other languages besides English? Even on the bloody re-cycling sacks the instructions about what can be included are trilingual. If I emigrated to France I would have to speak, and be able to read French, or employ someone to interpret for me. There is no way would I expect or be offered information in my mother tongue. Where will this divisive and patronising trilingualism end? Will Hyndburn become like Wales, where all road signs are in Welsh and English? I also feel it is wrong to have sections of public libraries that are given over to languages other than English, other than for educational purposes. Again as an example if I moved to Morocco I wouldn't expect to be offered books in a public lending library in my own language, I'd have to buy them or assimilate with the local population and learn the language. I have absolutely no problem with classes being taught to help people with their English, but I find it very, very patronising for offical bodies to offer forms in anything other than English. I can understand the need for information to reach all members of the community, but in England it should be in English. __________________ 'If you're going to be a Kant, be the very best Kant there is my son.' Johann Georg Kant, father of Immanuel Kant, philosopher.