The Editor,
Re: “English-inclusive signs a charter challenge?” News, Oct. 22.
I’d like to share my thoughts on your article above with regards to Chinese-only signs in Richmond. I am Chinese myself. Having said that, I strongly feel these Chinese business signs should contain English as well. Mainly for one reason; this is Canada, not China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or any other Asian country.
If one comes to Canada, with English as the predominant spoken language, then these businesses must not only attract their own nationality, but also other nationalities as well. Given now, not all Chinese can read Chinese. I myself cannot read or write Chinese, so therefore it is imperative for me and others like myself to be able to read these businesses in English, so we know the type of business.
People like myself cook Chinese food pretty much five out of seven days, and I do find myself many times trying to figure out the Chinese writing, especially when menu specials are posted inside the restaurants on the wall. All I can make out is the dollar amount that follows the description. What the heck is this, I ask myself!
We are not asking these businesses to ban the Chinese but to include English. Is that asking too much? I don’t think this is in violation of the Charter of Rights. We, too, have rights to know what you’re advertising for the sake of all nationalities, not just one particular group. After all, you are in Canada.
At least, that’s my two cents worth.
Cathy Lo
Richmond
