Foreign language signs unpatriotic

Foreign language signs unpatriotic

TULUNGAGUNG, East Java: The use of foreign languages in signs,
posters and billboards is an indication of the inferiority felt
by the advertisers, a linguist says.

Suparno of the Teachers College in Malang said on Tuesday that
the advertisers' insistence on using foreign languages, which is
illegal under a new city ordinance, reflects a lack of pride in
their nationality.

This "lack of confidence hampers the process of shaping
national character and identity," said Suparno as quoted by the
Antara news agency.

"The development of education, technology and all other
aspects of life is inseparable from the use of Indonesian
language as the national communication tool," he said. (swe)