AN AMERICAN INVASION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1929, Page 3

AN AMERICAN INVASION

(Otago Daily Times.)

The introduction of the talking pictures in New Zealand has excited on the part of educationists and others a concern, which seems ro lie justied, respecting the influence which the speech of the American actors may have on our language, through the medium mainly of its‘effect on the children in the Dominion. It is difficult to resist the apprehension that more American idiom and slang will find a way into general use here with the advent of this- form of entertainment tuan was possible previously through the caption of the silent film. A correspondent has pointed out, that not only is the speech of the children in danger of becoming debased, but also that their thoughts, inode of expression, ideals and culture are becoming Americanised. This danger, however, has been in existence for many years and is not peculiar to the new form of entertainment which is producing such far-reaching effects in the whole theatrical world. It may even bp argued that the new experiments in the film industry provide an opportunity for the British companies Vo establish themselves and supply a serious need, at least within the Umpire, of films which are acceptable to tho p-r Vie in all ways, one of them being the use of pure English by the performers. It has also been maintained that there is now a great demand in America for the actor or actress wlio can speak good English and whose voice is otherwise suitable. It seems certain that as long as the United States produces such a. large- proportion ,of the total films, American kiiiema artists will, despite objections about accent and speech, dominate the now industry in the same manner as they gained control of the silent pictures. We do not forget, however, that an important section of the American people is composed of highly educated men and women to whom the lingual eccentricities that now assault our ears must be as objectionable as they are to Bi i’ish audiences, and it may be hoped that its influence will be directed to the removal of wliat is at present a distinct abuse.

Tlioso who patronise the picture theatres cannot fail to be aware of tho grave menace to our language, but those who do not may require to be convinced that it actually exists. The heroine of a recent “talkie’’ declared in an unfortunately too familiar accent, “I an’t goin’ to twotime mo guy no time,” when it, was clear from the action that she rueaiitthat ' at 'no' time-' Vofold ‘slie 'doheive £ a' man. ''"hat Briton would understand such gibberish? The tragedy ik teat many of our schoolboys and girls who frequent the picture' theatres can Understand it. It is true that theie are in New Zealand some people who frequently use slang quite equal to the worst American, but parents are careful not to let their children listen to or imitate these persons, nor do they pay to have vast quantities of this jargon dinned in their cars. In his scholarly book “The’ American Language’’ that diverting author H. L. Mencken expresses the belief that the Declaration of Independence is at present quite unintelligible to the average American using the common speech. He tlien renders it into \merican vulgate, the first sentence of which reads:—“When things get eo balled up that the people of a < ovntrv have aot to cut loose from .some other country and go it on their own hook, without asking no permission from nfctfjody, excepting maybe God Almighty, then they ought to let everybody know why they done it, so that everybody can see that they are level and net trying to pull nothing over nobody.” What schoolmaster can contemplate with equanimity the possibility of the growth of a form of speech like this when the “talkies” become firmly rooted in our midst ?

Since the kinema provides at present the most popular form of entertainment for the masses and since it appears likely to .maintain its position in the near future when we can look forward to stereoscopic pictures in natural colours, a solution of the present problem is the more pressing. Mr Spenceley Walker has expressed the opinion in Auckland that the New Zealand Educational 'lnstitute should give serious consideration to the danger and pay heed to the special needs of children for amusement and instruction by the pictures. The most encouraging aspect of the disquieting position consists in the impetus given by the British Parliament to the production of films in England, and the firm stand which v British and ' European companies .are making against what has 'been virtually an American monopoly. The movement to capture and hold some portion of the kinema business, at least within the Empire, was prompted not by commercial ambition, praiseworthy as that may be, but by the wish of the people to preserve the national prestige and defend the traditions and culture of the raoe. Those who set store at preserving the purity of' the. English language can best secure their objective by assist ing the British film industry in its struggle to compete successfully in the •'world markets. New Zealand can give material assistance and most New Zealanders will rejoice on the day when the bulk of tlio programmes in this country will bo acted and produced by/ British people.