By Sara Bharrat with photos by Jules Gibson
This week we asked the man/woman in the street when they’d last written a letter and whether they sent text messages?
Herbert Patterson JP, Reverend:
‘I haven’t written a letter in a long time. Whether I’m communicating with someone locally or overseas I do it by telephone. Communicating by telephone is easy, quick and very reliable. East, west, north or south; it doesn’t matter where someone I need to talk to is I can get them on the telephone. But I do think that we’ve lost something important. Penning a letter is an asset and important skill which improved our skill in using the English language. The fact that we don’t write means that our language skills are not as good as they once were. I was once in the military system and I kept a very strict diary which saved me many times. I’ve always carried a handwritten contact book as well. It’s easier to find a phone number in your personal address book rather than searching through a phone.’
Oneka Fraser, Nurse:
‘Wow, it’s been a long time since I wrote a letter. I think the last letter I wrote was like two years ago. These days I use the telephone as my main means of communication because it’s faster. Text messaging is a major life saver and must do for me. I sent like five text messages overseas daily. It’s a cheaper to communicate that way as well. I think that the present generation and even those who pride themselves in being modernized are too dependent on these technologically advanced forms of communication used today. We’re slowly losing our art of communicating by not writing letters and employing our language.’
Norma Easton, Self-employed:
‘To tell you the truth I haven’t written a letter in more than six years. The telephone has been my way of communicating for a while now. It’s faster and easier to keep in touch with family and friends that way. I remember when I was young letter writing was a big thing in those days. It was how we told people we care; I remember writing quite a few secret notes myself. I own a cellular phone now but I don’t know how to send a text message. I suppose that is something I will have to learn eventually. I know how important a skill letter writing can be but I also appreciate the advantages of modern communication methods like the telephone. I like both methods equally.’
Angilie Daniels, Student:
‘I wrote a letter to my uncle abroad just last week. My father encouraged me to write him. For us letter writing is a more traditional form of communication and it is a heartfelt gesture that allows us to better express our emotions. For today alone I already have more than 15 messages in my phone. I think that text messaging is an addiction for the younger generation. Our generation tends to go for technology, the faster it is the more we like it.’
Lawrence Paris, Miner:
‘Can’t remember the last time I wrote anything. I work in the interior and I’ve only been in the city for three days now. While I’m in the interior working a radio set is the easiest and sometimes the only way for me to contact someone. But to tell you the truth while the telephone system is preferred by most people because it is fast I still prefer writing a traditional letter. When you write a letter to someone that communication is between you, the recipient and whoever either of you may want to show it to. A letter is a more secure way to communicate because when you’re on the telephone someone is always listening.’
Richard Fraser, Self-employed:
‘We have lost our ability to write. I can tell you that I haven’t written a letter in a very long time and I know that is the case with many Guyanese as well. Because we’ve all but given up this form of communication unless it is needed for professional purposes our language skill has been badly damaged. Penning a letter and typing it on the computer are completely different things. When you use the computer programme to type it aids you with spelling and you never notice that you can’t spell a word because the computer corrects it instantly. As a result when we actually have to write something we end up spelling half of it wrong.’
Jonnise James, Student:
‘I really can’t say if I’ve ever hand-written a letter at all. I can’t even remember the last time I typed a letter either. I can definitely tell you that I would prefer to call someone as opposed to writing them. Calling is less time and it’s more sensible to call someone who lives in the same street as opposed to writing them a letter. Well I suppose the only letter you’ll find me writing is when I have to apply for a job because some employers request handwritten applications. I must say though that I realize the importance of letter writing, it teaches us how to better express ourselves. If you can write it well you can definitely speak it well.’
Avinand Rampersaud, UG Student:
‘Last week I wrote a letter for an English test. I don’t think I’ve ever hand-written a letter in my life and except for emails, which are mini-letters, and application letters I’ve never typed a letter outside of an English test. I text a lot because it’s cheaper than calling and it’s a faster way of communicating as well.’
Shirvanie Persaud, UWI Student:
‘I’ve written three of four letters this year. I’m abroad so writing letters is the easiest way for me to keep in touch with people here. Besides writing allows a person to better express themselves on an emotional level and it’s a more personal form of communication. I message fairly often as well because it is a less expensive and faster means of communication. Chatting and emailing are also my other favourite methods of communicating. I think that the technological generation is slowly killing traditional forms of communications.’
Mahendra Bachan, Private Sector Employee:
‘I don’t write letters. I do most of my communication on my cellular phone. Text messaging is one of my major methods of keeping in touch with people. I think that text messaging has become more a means of promotion and entertainment for us rather than a way to stay in contact.’
