TALKIES AND ENGLISH.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17991, 9 April 1930, Page 7

TALKIES AND ENGLISH.

(To the Editor.)

oir,—While writing in your columns j weeks ago I drew attention -to !.iiu destructive influence exerted by Urn. talkies on the English language. It is a paradox that one of the greatest inventions of the age which should be employed to improve our standard of speech is acting as a direct antithesis. However, talkies have not been long with us and with the growth of British film production and a resultant extension of the quota of British films for New Zealand I feel confident a better state of affairs -will exist. In the meanwhile we should do all possible to encourage -our children to speak and write good English and fight the American twang and jargon with all energy at our command. Without desiring to offer free publicity, I would crave a few more lines to impress upon Hamilton people, especially young people, the need for making an opportunity to hear the great elocutionist, Mr Alexander Watson. After I had heard this gentleman some time ago I came away inspired. May I also point out, sir, that there ,exists a debating club in -our town, one of whose aims is to cultivate pure diction. This club will commence its season shortly and should be accorded every support by the public. The younger generation should realise that they can derive plenty of amusement from these debates and at the same time improve their -speech and diction and so nullify the insidious influence of certain talkies. —I am, etc., G.G.T.