The Editor,
Re: "Sign language reflects business," Community, Jan. 27.
As a Canadian Citizen By Choice (CCBC), also known as an immigrant, whose native tongue is English, I find the opinion of Dr. Joe Greenholtz interesting.
Comparing the issue of Chinese language signs in Richmond today with a contentious problem that was solved in 1977 by Bill 101 doesn't make sense to me. That was a historical debate between founding nations that needed to be resolved for the sake of the nation.
With the aid of my trusted Canadian dictionary, I checked the meaning of some of the expressions used in the article: "dominant culture coming to grips with the idea that the world may not revolve around them."
I assume the dominant culture would be those that can be identified as non-Asian by outward appearance. But this section of the community consists of many different races or cultures, individually different, but united as populace by a common language, English.
In Richmond, the opposite is the reality. But do all those of Asian appearance communicate in the same language? I think it is unfair to lump the Asian nations together. They have individual language and identities, too. There are generations of CCBCer's who have lived together in harmony. Now is not the time to refer to "them" and "us" or "we" and "they" when referring to our neighbours. In the same publication, Balwant Sanghera asks us all to make an earnest effort to reach out to each other. Let's do it.
"Tension between old and new value system." I have had the old value system accompany me through travelling, careers and various stages of life adventures for three quarters of a century. These values include: Respect, Integrity, Citizenship, Harmony, Modesty, Opinion, Nobility of Spirit and Diversity.
Please spell out the new set of values, that I may teach them to my grandchildren.
"Feeling the pain of being irrelevant in their own backyard, for the first time." This is quite a statement. I will never be irrelevant (definition: not to the point, off the subject) in my country of choice.
I have an opinion too, and my opinion may be quashed by the wealth or the sheer volume of newcomers. This may be our government's intent - federal, provincial or municipal - it's hard to determine the long-term intent of the powers that be.
Dr. Greenholtz has a variety of initials after his name, a great many interests. As a founder of a consulting company, which "helps solve your communication puzzles," he says:
"If you are not a native speaker of English, your language skills could be holding you back from securing a position or a career in your field.
"Employers need to know not only that you have the qualifications to do the job, but that you can communicate effectively with clients and co-workers.
"If your employees are not native speakers of English, faulty communication could stand between you and important contracts or sales: no matter how good they are at their job." (Verbatim from web-site.)
To whom does this apply? He states in his article stores with Chinese-only signs "have no appeal for me." He is speaking for himself, but not for a whole community.
Surely an attempt to communicate in a common language is not un-Canadian. I have taken the author's quotes out of context, but feel I have commented on his message.
Ann Merdinyan
Richmond
