Language debate gets tongues wagging
Re: We all benefit from a common language, and Restricting Chineselanguage signs is un- Canadian, Opinion, Jan. 13
Contrary to what Harvey Enchin writes, I believe that language is, in fact, the glue that will hold us together.
A common language is the most basic tool we have to promote the integration of immigrants into our Canadian fabric. Such integration is accelerated by encouraging social and business interaction between immigrants and those who were born here.
In areas with large ethnic enclaves, like Richmond, adding English to business signs would invite all Canadians into business establishments without diminishing the flavour of any particular ethnic group.
I certainly value the multicultural richness we now experience, and restaurants and shopping malls are places where this diversity can be enjoyed. But signage that exclusively uses a foreign language, Chinese or otherwise, seems contrary to our basic Canadian value of inclusiveness.
Surely we can make room for more than one language on signs. In this part of Canada, why not include English?
While I want those new to this country to feel welcome, I also want those born here to feel equally welcome in communities and shopping areas that are ethnically based. JOYCE POLEY Surrey
It was interesting to read two completely different views on restricting the use of Chinese language in commercial enterprises.
I can’t really agree with Douglas Todd’s opinion. What does it help if you enforce signs to be in English if you enter the shop and nobody can understand you?
The sons and daughters of the immigrants are doing very well, as stated by Harvey Enchin.
In fact, one of the things that worry the immigrants is how to make their kids maintain the proficiency in the language of the country of their origin. MARCOS SAITO Surrey
Harvey Enchin says the government “is insisting on competency in one of Canada’s official languages before applying to immigrate.”
The government’s Immigrant Investor Program allows immigrants in with no language skills.
BC Assessment provides services in 14 languages and ICBC provides services in 12 languages in addition to providing language packs in more than 50 languages. All of the above done on our tax money. I’ll take Douglas Todd’s views on maintaining two languages any day. PATRICK HILL West Vancouver
I found the commentary by Douglas Todd and Harvey Enchin regarding Chinese language signs in some of the malls in Richmond’s Golden Village to be quite interesting. There is no doubt that the owners of these businesses have every right to put up the signs in any language they like.
At the same time, they must keep in mind that we live in a very multicultural community.
As a Richmond resident and community activist I am very proud of the intercultural harmony we have in Richmond respecting one of Canada’s official languages, English, for signage purposes is something that is much appreciated by non- Chinese speaking residents and consumers. Also, it makes business sense.
We should be proud of our heritage, including our mother tongue. At the same time, we should also be proud of being Canadian. This includes respect for this country’s official languages. English, of course, is the most dominant official language in this part of the country. Thus, putting up signs in both Chinese and English reflects regard not only for a common language but also for all those people whose mother tongue is other than Chinese. As Todd points out, in this diverse and multicultural country we need a common language to flourish. BALWANT SANGHERA Richmond