But the racial issues underlying that debate obscures the fact that all cultures have their unique way of speaking, including Bermuda. A white American teacher may have trouble understanding the speech of black inner-city students. That's the title of a book of poems recently published by Mr. Frith in Bermudian dialect. In Bermuda-speak, v's are pronounced like w's and vice versa, and a's are pronounced like e's and e's like a's. But Lynette Woods, the chair of the Bermuda College's English Department, says there is a parallel.
Students do speak Bermudian dialect, and they transfer it to the printed page.
It comes across clearly in the writing. She points out why it is important to know Standard English - those who don't are at a disadvantage in the workplace. I let them know there is a place for Bermudian dialect. When you are in formal educational setting, you have to use Standard English. Ruth Thomas helps keep Bermudian culture alive, dialect included as government's cultural officer and through her acting troupe Ruth Thomas and Company.