linguistic diversity should be a positive benefit to all

The proposal that we should have the possibility of bilingual traffic signs in Northern Ireland is seen as divisive. However, I think it could have a much more positive benefit to our country in general.

Until many, mostly political unionists and cultural Protestants, stop seeing any language use other that of English as an attack on being British, we will have a hard job in using any such language. However, as I have said before, and has been said by many, if these self same people would look back in their heritage they would find that they are likely to have ancestors who used Irish, and if not Irish, then Scots Gaelic. Scots Gaelic of course like Welsh is in use on roadsigns in other parts of their so-beloved United Kingdom. In other words, they need to relearn the history of this island and come to the understanding that diversity is often a way of unifying a whole country. Continue reading linguistic diversity should be a positive benefit to all

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1996 called to remind us about guidelines for electronic conversations

I disagree with someone on a point in an email or message therefore I must belittle them and swear at them when they argue their corner? Right? Online conversations are all too often taking the place of actual person to person conversations. This means that the tools that we all use when talking in person – tone, facial expression, and body language – are missing. This makes what we write all the more important. It also means that we need to take care to read what is actually written. I propose a resolution for all for 2011: Read what is … Continue reading 1996 called to remind us about guidelines for electronic conversations

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when words are cultural – don’t ask the minister for culture

Yesterday evening, taking a break from preparation for a job interview tomorrow, I was taken to a play at Belfast Model School for Girls, as part of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. I found the play very very moving. The performances of all male cast and the stage setting were extremely well done. The language used, reminded me of soldiers the world over. Now on Wednesday night, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for Northern Ireland, Nelson McCausland, of the Democratic Unionist Party, was at this play. Indeed, his department helps fund the Belfast Festival at Queen’s. … Continue reading when words are cultural – don’t ask the minister for culture

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“known to police”: the whole truth?

In East Tyrone Magistrates Court yesterday a phrase was used by a detective constable in a bail hearing that has my brain considering whether this is correct or not. The defendant was arrested at the scene of the finding of some ammunition and a holdall containing a revolver in a car in which he claims he was being taken to be a victim of a “so-called punishment shooting”*, lying face down on the back seat with a blanket over his head. His solicitor said, bail should be permitted as his client had no previous record. Yet the detective constable replied: … Continue reading “known to police”: the whole truth?

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