Sebastian Borges wrote thus to Frederick Noronha: (my responses listed as under jc)
[SB1] Dear FN, I joined this "debate" because you specifically mentioned my name in one of your posts. jc1: OK [SB2] I came in hoping to broaden and deepen my understanding of the issue with the help of information and insights which I expected from you. jc2: Of course [SB3] But I am disappointed! jc3: Truly? [SB4] You have provided nothing but imaginary bugbears, borrowed fears, half-baked assertions and plain balderdash. jc4: And you? BTW: May I suggest that you please try format your posts sufficiently, so that the reader would have some chance of understanding WHAT is yours and what is someone else's? [SB5] I am inclined to agree, almost in toto, with the post of Jose Colaco of the same date. jc5: Your inclination having been noted, please be advised that in this "debate" I agree "almost in toto' with FN. [SB6] But I think his point no. 3 has been misstated. jc6: please vide infra [SB7] With all due regard for Jose Colaco's expertise WITH the English language, I am afraid that it did not make sense in my not-so-perfect English. jc7: To the best of my knowledge, as 1 (reportedly) first spoke Portuguese at home, followed by Konkani and Marathi. My expertise IN the English language is less than perfect. Fortunately, I was not exposed (as a child) to this nonsense aka Padribhas, Bamonbhas, Antruzi, Bardezi, Shudh Kokni, and the 'Kokni in Devanagri only' nonsense etc. AND I (fortunately) do NOT need some stranger to tell me WHAT my "mother tongue" should have been or be UNLESS, for starters, he/she/it tells me 'the tongue' he spoke to HIS mother and vice-versa. BTW: I know at least one prolific 'Kokni in Devanagri only' protagonist who knows NOT ek shabdh (one word) to read in the Devanagri script. jc: This is the sentence which "did not make sense" to SB: "3: those parents who wish to NOT provide their children with this communication head start should do so; that is their right. jc8: The above quoted sentence is directed towards parents. It is unlikely to make much sense to those among us who have NO responsibility for and towards their own children, In short: Those parents who wish to provide their children with a 'head start' in their career prospects, will choose English (at this point and time) as the MOI. Those who do not wish to do so OR are blinded by the nonsense, will not. I am done with this.....for now. jc
