I usually refrain from making comments or expressing my opinion on social media, however, sometimes it’s important to make yourself heard.
I’m saddened by the linguistic amnesia Gibraltar is currently living through and additionally shocked that nothing significant is being done about it.
Gibraltar has always been an example of multiculturalism – but linguistic diversity is often ignored and even covertly discouraged. My Gibraltarian identity isn’t compromised if I speak Llanito, English and Spanish – or any other language for the matter. I refuse to be confined to the restrictive concrete monolingual box that some people ardently wish to place me in. Prejudices won’t fade overnight – but remaining in silence will just perpetuate them.
Proud to be Gibraltarian and multilingual – and yes, they do go together. Gibraltar doesn’t deserve to lose an important part of its cultural heritage.
I’m a very optimistic person but it’s essential to identify and accept the reality on the ground so that we know what has to change. Don’t be afraid to speak out – that’s the only way society will begin to change.
Thank you for your precious time and attention,
Dale Buttigieg,
Founder of www.llanitollanito.com