LL-L "Language politics" 2002.04.01 (08) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 01.APR.2002 (08) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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From: "Colin Wilson" <lcwilson at starmail.com>
Subject: LL-L "Language politics" 2002.03.31 (05) [E/S]

Andy Eagle wrote:

>Over the past week, the Scottish Education Minister, Cathy Jamieson, has
>come under attack for using the Scots language. Many of these attacks
>have
>been vicious and verge on the racist. Below are two articles which show
>this.....

Before commenting on this, I ought first to explain that I know
little about Cathy Jamieson, and what I do know has come from the
articles that have been posted here. Some of it is completely outrageous
and amounts not only to an attack on Jamieson but also on the language
itself.

However on reflection I have to say that the critics have a point, in
one
respect at least. If Jamieson really is a monoglot Scots speaker, and
that is how she comes over, then it has to be asked whether it's
appropriate to have such a person as a goverrnment minister. After all,
English is the native language of most Scots, and the nearest thing
there
is to an international language. I'd be surprised if there's another
education
minister in northern Europe who can't use English at need, and I'd
expect
the Scottish minister to be able to do the same.

One positive aspect of this is that it may give Jamieson herself cause
to
reflect on the issues involved. As a member of the ruling Labour/Liberal
Democrat coalition, she voted against having a question on Scots in
last year's census. She may be less inclined to follow the party line in
future, although this may be too much to hope for.

Either way, if she can't use English at need, then the Executive (the
semi-
autonomous Scottish government) would be right to consider replacing
her with someone who can.

Colin Wilson.

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