YOUR LETTERS

XENOPHOBIA / LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
MIGHT I suggest that it is Mr. Tunnell (“Your Letters”, Daily Bulletin 2nd April) that is out of step with reality regarding the above. No-one believes it to be wrong to want to preserve local language and culture; what is wrong, is the way being used in order to achieve this aim. Forcing children to be taught/learn solely in Catalan, during their formative school years seems to me to be not only discriminatory towards fellow Spaniards - who speak the official language of Spain of Castellano - but somewhat shortsighted. Is it no wonder that more and more places in “foreign private schools” are being taken by Castillian-speaking children - resulting in a two-tier education system - with the “haves” and “have nots.” Unfortunately, the “have nots,” i.e. parents who cannot afford private education for their children see their children being left behind in job opportunity stakes. Fortunately, medical staff (and some patients) have decided enough is enough - they can see the potential damage to society as a whole, if this present state of dogma is allowed to continue and they have decided to protest. Whilst the Balearic government continues to take monies from the central Spanish government in Madrid, they are beholden to accept and use, the official language of Spain, i.e. Castellano. The sole use of Catalan in official government offices, for official papers and now in road signs and supermarkets will unfortunately not promote the islands' language or culture - but will, instead, lead to more frustration and resentment, not only from residents who are Castillian-speaking Spaniards but from tourists as well.

M. Irving, Calvia