Dear Editor,
Re: “Racist tones thinly veiled,” News Sept. 25.
Please help me understand. Is the use of the word “racist” supposed to shame us into silence, even though the intent is to defend and promote our official English language as a unifying and inclusive tool?
Bob Ransford claims that “a generation or two from now, we will be a multi-lingual community.”
We already are a multi-lingual community. I speak English, my own native language and went to a French immersion school. I am richer for it.
Or did I misunderstand and Mr. Ransford means that the Asian community will be multi-lingual.
Then I agree that this will occur in a generation or two and hopefully sooner, but only if there is the incentive to speak and read English. “Uncomfortable” to see French on signs in Quebec?
Hardly — it’s something totally expected as one of Canada’s official languages. But I also recognize and value the universality of the English language.
Throughout my travels, it has been the one common thread that immediately connected people across cultures. I do not understand why our government is so resistant to and seemingly uncaring about the inclusion of the English language on signs. For all those immigrants who have made Canada their home and have roots here, it remains an important communication tool for success and integration.
For the opportunistic global migrants, who also have business interests elsewhere — perhaps not so much.
This divisive issue would be a non-issue if those who erect the signs and choose to do business in Canada recognize that English is an official language of Canada — and showing some sensitivity and respect would go a long way, even if they are just targeting the Asian market.
At least there would be the appearance of inclusion.
N. McDonald
Richmond
