Communication is a two-way street

 NEWS that the Melanesian Spearhead Group is considering a common language for all Melanesians is an interesting endeavour. 

With the Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture in Port Moresby, this barrier in languages was evident during the opening ceremony. Those who spoke during the opening and welcoming of the visiting groups did so using English and Tok Pisin during the ceremony. 

The problem was that in doing so, the organisers had inadvertently marginalised certain groups. The New Caledonians, who speak French, would have been lost during the speeches given by Culture and Tourism Minister Boka Kondra and other dignitaries as they were in English. One scribe, who has more than a passing interest in French, said Kondra’s attempt at one French greeting (bonsoir – good evening) was muddled. It showed that while the attempt was there to make a connection, the preparation was not. 

A French translator would have been ideal. Otherwise the fact that these people travelled a long way to attend a festival only to face a language barrier would have robbed them of completely enjoying the experience. Likewise the Fijians and the Timorese and West Papuans would have been lost when Tok Pisin was used. While English is the predominant language spoken in Melanesia, it is not the language used in every country. The case in point is New Caledonia. 

While it is encouraging to see such an aim as a single language being spoken in the region – one can assume English to be the choice here – it is likely to leave one set of Melanesians disadvantaged. Would it not be better for the MSG to open lines of communication between English-speaking and non-English speaking Melanesia by first bridging the gap? 

That would mean having French and Bahasa (Indonesian) taught in countries like Fiji, PNG and Solomon Islands. Vanuatu already has French as part of its language curriculum. This would aid greatly communication between people. The Timorese speak Portuguese so that is another language worth considering. In Europe where every country has its own distinct language and culture, the number of bi-lingual as well as multi-lingual people is prevalent. The Englishman travelling to France would need to know some French as would the Frenchman travelling to England. 

With the Pacific Games next year, efforts have to be made by organisers not to overlook this very important aspect the Games – communication between the host country and visiting teams. Of course this should not pose a problem for most of the countries taking part. But French-speaking New Caledonia, Tahiti, Wallis and Futuna will need extra attention. If the Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture is anything to go by, then Pacific Games organisers must start preparing a team of translators for next year. 

The organisers should not rely entirely on the visiting New Caledonians, Tahitians and Wallisians and Futunians to have English-speaking members of their contingents as well as translators to bridge the gap. That would be unfair on them and discourteous by the hosts not to have people on hand who actually speak the visitors’ language. If we are to believe that the Pacific Games and any regional event for that matter is all inclusive and promotes the cultures and diversity, then surely languages and the ability to communicate to everyone is essential. Some might argue against the practical use of foreign languages and learning them in a country such as PNG but that option should be there. 

There is nothing stopping schools (secondary to tertiary) from incorporating a foreign language into the syllabus. It could be taken as an elective and complement other courses or subjects. 

The point is with the country’s development and growth economically and socially in the region, and the world for that matter, the need for its citizens to be able to communicate effectively with all comers is crucial.