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
In my opinion, it’s a question of indigenous language rights. In this
context, some residents may wonder if the CNMI Constitution—with its three
official languages—protects one’s right to testify in Chamorro and Carolinian in the CNMI courts.
In the federal courts, the Administrative Office certifies interpreters in three languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole and Navajo (see uscourts.gov). If the Navajo Nation can have their language rights recognized and protected in U.S federal courts—allowing them to testify in their vernacular via certified interpreters—not only is it time for the Chamber to eliminate its policy, but it may also be time to have a broader conversation about (indigenous) language rights (and the role of interpreters) in the CNMI courts.
– Navy Hill, Saipan
proz.com/profile/103641
In ANY court, Federal or CNMI, any witness may testify in ANY language necessary for the witness to communicate effectively and interpreters will be used. For a judge to prohibit testimony in a language when the witness is incapable of adequately expressing him or herself in the language in which proceedings are otherwise conducted would be an abuse of discretion and grounds for mistrial. On the other hand, if the witness is fully capable of expressing him or herself in the language of the proceedings, the judge is fully within his or her authority to require that the testimony be given in that language.
The recognition of three official languages in the CNMI modifies that principle slightly. It means that the Court generally cannot prohibit testimony in Chamorro or Carolinian. The Court can, however, require attorneys, as officers of the court, to generally proceed in English. As for the language of the proceeding generally, the judge presiding has authority over that, although it must be one of the three official languages.
CNMI courts have determined that judicial economy and efficiency is best served by conducting most proceedings in English. As for the Chamber of Commerce, this is the “rule” Mr. Taisague pretends to find so offensive: “Candidates are asked to speak in English out of respect to our multicultural audience.” Or maybe he is sincere and simply offended by “multicultural audiences.”