News

PM wants English skills improved

August 30, 2015 2:12 am

The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama believes that the culture of reading is not strong enough in Fiji.

Speaking at Fiji National University Alumni Gala Dinner in Suva last night Bainimarama says most senior people including graduates from overseas are unable to write English with clarity, simplicity and in the correct manner – and it is a particular curse in the civil service.

He says instead of choosing simple words to get their message across, they use big ones as if they have to demonstrate to everyone that they’ve been educated.

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“We need to develop more of a culture of reading in Fiji – a love of reading. And when we do so, it is bound to raise our general standards of English expression. And give us an important edge in a world in which these things are important – because people, as well as nations, are inevitably judged on their ability to write well.”

The PM says our country is falling short of the mark, because we often use ‘Finglish’ Fiji English, which may be okay around the grog bowl but we need to meet basic international standards.