Fiji’s Language

Problems

WHEN members of the Suva Rotary Club debated the question, “English; The Compulsory and only Acceptable Working Language”, they voiced the opinion of many business people, and of householders who employ servants.

Although English is taught from the first year in every school, and from the fifth year becomes the only medium of instruction, there seems to be no diminution in proportion of young Fijians and Indians who do not understand it.

This may be largely because many Europeans, when speaking their own language, speak it quickly, just as Fijians rattle off their own language at a fast pace.

It was pointed out during the debate that time and materials were wasted in having to print public notices in three languages (English, Indian and Fijian).

It was remarked by the Director of Education (Mr. W. W. Lewis- Jones), in fairness to other races,, that in asking Fijians and Indians to learn English the European was expecting more of them than he was asking of himself.

Others pointed out that English is the language of trade and commerce, and that if young Indians and Fijians wish to succeed in this sphere they will have to become proficient in English. In addition, it is the language uniting the three races.

There is another difficulty, of a minor nature only as yet, and that is that the Chinese who do not

speak English use Fijian as a common language when dealing with other races.

More inter-racial schools may supply the answer, for they encourage a good working know ledge of English. When the children get into the playground, English does become the common language.