THE ALPHBET CONTROVERSY
By
Clifford J. Palacio
The
controversy over the Garifuna alphabet and spelling has generated attention and
has divided the Garifuna in the Diaspora. The emotions from both sides are
almost palpable. Nevertheless, we must address the standardization
issue. Being open minded will certainly help. It’s in our favor
that there is precedence set by British (and Europeans) vs. American English.
(prolog vs. prologue, organize vs. organise, analyze vs. analyse, etc. and a host
of other words). Click on link for additional examples http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwesl/egw/jones/differences.htm
Interestingly,
understanding is not a problem for either Americans or the British.
An American can pick up a book
written by British authors and read with no problem and vice versa. A
possible solution to our problem may be found in learning and teaching the spellings used by those Garinagu who
have been influenced by the British spelling and pronunciation of words and
vice versa. We need to address this issue as the differences are not many. For
the English speaking Garinagu the uses of the following letters used by
Garinagu influenced by Spanish seem to present a problem: ñ, ü, g, h
and j. For the Garinagu influenced by the Spanish language the uses of
the following letters seem to present a surmountable problem: h, j and ü.
I am certain
that we can find similar differences in many other cultures/languages around
the world. If we elect to view our Garifuna issues as part of a “world”
cultural dilemma, rather than the myopic view that we are unique beyond
comparison, isolated in our regional enclaves with each superior to the other,
compounded by an US against THEM attitude, a practical and visionary solution
will emerge more easily. We need to cease the inter-regional and
intra-regional “superiority” complexes… Indurana claims of superiority in
Garifunaduaü against Balisina and vice versa.
While
treasuring the majesty of our culture and doing our utmost to preserve our
heritage, we must also see ourselves as an integral part of a “world” culture,
which does not diminish our value or uniqueness in any way. In fact,
being a part of a larger world culture can assist us with advancing our vision,
if we allow ourselves to see the opportunities.
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