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Language genocide
When an organization in the CNMI prevents a person from speaking his/her native language, the organization is committing language genocide. In the CNMI the native language is Chamorro and Carolinian. The Covenant established the relationship between the people of the Northern Marianas and the United States, as such the NMI Constitution, Article XXII, Section 3 established the official language in the CNMI which state: “[t]he official language of the Commonwealth shall be Chamorro, Carolinian, and English […].”
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 2014 Candidates Forum on Oct. 15 for Senate candidates, Oct. 16 for U.S. delegate candidates, and Oct. 27 for governor and lieutenant governor candidates. The SCC Forum’s rule is requiring all candidates to speak English only.
The SCC intention is commendable but insensitive and an insult to our native Chamorro and Carolinian speakers. The candidates should be allowed to decide which of the official language to use to express his/her position on any topics put forth for deliberation, rather than being restricted to English only. The SCC should be inclusive and not restrictive.
I wrote a letter to SCC to contest its English-only language whereby requiring all candidates to speak English only in the Forum. The SCC replied to my letter and informed me that the rule will remain unchanged for the reason that it has been their rule since previous forums. As a Senate candidate, I will not condone the practice of language genocide in the CNMI and I will not tolerate a display of arrogance and disrespect to our native Chamorro and Carolinian people. Therefore, my participation in the SCC 2014 Senate Candidates Forum on Oct. 15, 2014, will not be possible.
Jesus Ilo Taisague
Koblerville, Saipan
