Compulsory te reo

The call to make the learning of te reo compulsory is unreasonable, while the suggestion that it might become our first language preposterous. It is not surprising that such expectations are created, given the caving-in of politicians in the context of the perpetual scramble for marginal votes. The urgent priority is to get the English language back on track after two generations of education neglect at the hands of semi-literate liberals.

To communicate effectively, the message must mean the same thing to both the originator and the receiver. Poor standards of syntax, pronunciation, spelling and punctuation do the damage. Where punctuation is lacking, statements are often ambiguous (equivalent to gabbling the spoken word). Professors who say that punctuation is elitist are ignorant and should not be in a position to perpetuate the damage to our language.

Proponents of te reo castigate us for mispronouncing Ma¯ ori words, yet the abuse of English is a national pastime. I can frequently find errors in some newspapers’ editorial musings. Aircrew pilots from all non-English speaking countries are obliged to use English for their communications with air traffic control. Let us not get carried away with ridiculous posturing on the learning of te reo.

Hugh Webb, Hamilton