Cyprus-Forum.com

[G.Man]

What do you mean equal? Those that want to stay in Cyprus have the same rights as every Cypriot citizen.

You mean why aren't there any Turkish speakers in power? Well, simply because they are Turkish speaking.
eg.In France, all people, despite ethnicity, speak French, therefore, the government operates in France.
eg. In the UK, all people there speak English, and therefore the government operates in English

In Cyprus, don't give me crap saying that only "GC's"(as you like to call us, I don't like being called a Greek when my own passport says I'm a Cypriot and when I feel Cypriot...) are in power.
How about Karoyian? Part of the Armenian minority, mingled throughout the years(ancestors...) with the Cypriots, and became a Cypriot himself, and a Minister! So, there goes any potential stories.

It's again the language "barrier"(turks nowadays refuse to learn Greek and claim that there were always two languages in Cyprus) . You people said it's not important, but it's one of the most important things in today's Cyprus. If we have to communicate with people that want to be our compatriots, we have to speak the same language, that most of the population speak. Majority is always the winner.

Cypriots have always been a "bastard" race. Consisting of various cultures, but sharing the Greek culture as their own. Even if some people don't like that idea, it's the only true fact. That was the case in Cyprus until the first Turkish settlers(the 1570's soldiers) came, and conquered Cyprus. That was the root of the problem. That's why people now differentiate Cypriots, where there are only Cypriots, that at least hold a Cypriot passport, and Turks, that want partition and claim that Turks have more rights than Latins, Maronites, Armenians, and heck even Cypriots....

You vent been in west wales....the government operates in english in england, not in wales or scotland

Wales even has a different language! Cymru(that's Wales in Welsh!)

But still, the UK is based on English. All N.Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England have seperate parliaments, but all obey the UK, which is basically under England... And the UK is English speaking

This has always made me laugh... I mean I understand the need to keep the welsh language alive, but having it as a first language and not being able to speak english in the UK just makes me laugh...

I dont herald english as the best, I dont think everyone should speak english as a first language, but there is no doubt in my mind, that english (a combination of many other languages) is the most useful second language by far.... To not be able to speak it fluently in the UK is a joke...

And yes, many welsh cannot speak english properly... far worse than most cypriots, who learn it because they want to...

I myself am about to commence greek lessons... not because I need to, but because I want to...

Out of respect for the country I choose to be my home..

[andri_cy]

Way to go G.Man

[humanist]

Good morning everyone

Pitstilos and Sotos you both make valid points. Occupied Cyprus is NOT Turkish it is occupied and multiculturalsism is the way to go. Armenians, Maronites and other minority groups have just as much right to exist and share in the Cypriot life as do Turkish Speaking Cypriots.

[Kikapu]

It's again the language "barrier"(turks nowadays refuse to learn Greek and claim that there were always two languages in Cyprus) . You people said it's not important, but it's one of the most important things in today's Cyprus. If we have to communicate with people that want to be our compatriots, we have to speak the same language, that most of the population speak. Majority is always the winner.

Only people with limited ability to look beyond their "majority numbers" hold the view, to be the only reason to dictate their language on others, and furthermore, wanting to rule the minority. In Switzerland, there are 3 main languages, Swiss German, French and Italian, and yet, the government is inclusive with all 3. Swiss Germans make up the majority with 69%. I don't see them demanding everyone should speak Swiss German to be in the Government. Perhaps they respect each others languages more than you.

[pitsilos]

atually singapore has 4 official languages - english, mandarin, malay and tamil, with malay being singapore's national language. however, english is the most widely spoken language and is the common means of communication.

i lived in singpore for 3 years and i thought that mandarin was the dominant language, boy was i wrong, because there are alot more chinese than the othes nationalities. actually you never hear malay unless you cross over the border with malaysia, but surprisingly they all speak english to each other, young and old.

Cyprus, hopefully can overcome all this complexities and follow the singapore example.

i would say that the lamguage barrier right now is the least of our worries.

[pitsilos]

With its ethnic mix also comes its diverse set of religions. Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temple gods and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism

come on guys how often do we hear problems from singapore, being religion or ethnicity.

does anyone think we can overcome religion and ethnicities and just become plain old cypriots in the future?

[miltiades]

I started learning French years ago but gave up after having to waist so much of the written word "les miserables " grand prix " just 2 of the numerous examples , I decided when the French were writing their language they must have been under the influence !!!
As for the dear old Welsh they must have been out of their mind , I mean how to you pronounce a word containing 3 Fs in succession with a couple of Ys thrown in for good measure. Phonetics make sense !
So lets us all learn Urdu !!!

[humanist]

I would love to live in United Cyprus where I was able to learn Turkish and practice it by speaking it. Being able to share the experience of another aspect of Cypriots culture. Whatever that word culture means.

[Klik]

I would love to live in United Cyprus where I was able to learn Turkish and practice it by speaking it. Being able to share the experience of another aspect of Cypriots culture. Whatever that word culture means.

If that was a piece of paper, I'd send it down the flush And you know exactly why!
If you love learning about your conqueror so much, then go live in Turkey, it's quite easier learning their language in there....

[Kikapu]

I would love to live in United Cyprus where I was able to learn Turkish and practice it by speaking it. Being able to share the experience of another aspect of Cypriots culture. Whatever that word culture means.

If that was a piece of paper, I'd send it down the flush And you know exactly why!
If you love learning about your conqueror so much, then go live in Turkey, it's quite easier learning their language in there....

In the 60's, almost every TC spoke Greek. I suppose they wanted to be able to communicate with their Greek countrymen, but at the end, that wasn't enough. Now, even if there is a Unification, forget about TC's wanting to learn Greek anymore. It's going to be English for everyone from now on, so get your kids into English schools, and be sure to have an English speaking family next door, so that your kids can play and learn from them the English language. For Cyprus in the future, Greek and Turkish will become the "second" language for all.