TWO professors from the University of Almeria recently stopped by The Euro Weekly News head office in Arroyo de la Miel, to discuss the state of the English-language press in Andalucia.
Dr. Jose Fernandez Sanchez and Dr. Jose Ibañez were welcomed by EWN editorial manager, Owen Thomas and the three participated in a lengthy and energetic conversation.
The discussion focussed mainly upon the latest project of the two university faculty members, which involves an investigation into perceptions within the English-language community of Andalucia. The professors both believe that one of the best ways to gauge these perceptions is through studying letters and editorials in local English-language newspapers.
Dr. Fernanez commented on the fact that, of all the expatriate communities, the English-language community has the strongest journalistic representation, both in terms of the number of publications and also in reader-participation. Both men stated that the lively interaction of ideas that appear in ‘letter to the editor’ sections like the EWN’s ‘Your Say’ and ‘Mrs. Ed’ sections, has done much to inform researchers about which issues are most important to this large expatriate community.
For his own part, Owen Thomas cautioned the professors on the dangers of perceiving the English-speaking community as a single, unified entity.
“Even within the British community,” he said, “there is an entire spectrum of every age, socio-economic level and political orientation. The community is by no means monolithic and that’s what works to make it so lively.”
Drs. Fernandez and Ibañez are planning to release the results of their investigations, in the form of a book, some time around February 2009. They hope that such a work will be of use to government departments and other agencies who need to deal with a significant English-speaking community, thereby promoting much better understanding between the Spanish and English communities. |
