The Department of Language, Linguistics and Literature, in conjunction with the Richard & Jeannette Allsopp Centre for Caribbean Lexicography, held its seventh annual Richard Allsopp Memorial Lecture on March 10, 2022 on the Zoom online platform. This lecture honours the legacy of the late Caribbean lexicographer and professor for whom the Allsopp Centre is co-named.

Dr Martha Isaac, former Coordinator and Lecturer of Linguistics at The UWI, Cave Hill Campus delivered her address entitled: “Reflections on the pedagogy and philosophy of Richard Allsopp: Implications for linguistic aspects of a Caribbean Pedagogy”. Dr Isaac was the first former supervisee of Richard Allsopp to give this lecture. She was therefore able to weave her experience with him personally with his teachings and his published academic influence. Her focus on pedagogy mirrored one of the main concerns of Richard Allsopp’s Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage (DCEU). This dictionary, first published in 1996, was in large part motivated by concerns that educators from across the region shared with respect to their students’ English, namely that their students would be disadvantaged in examinations administered by the United Kingdom because Caribbean English is so distinct. Dr Isaac examined best practices for language teaching in the region, as well as important philosophical guideposts in a compelling narrative by reminding the audience that Caribbean people do not speak bad English but rather a dialect with its own history and structure. She also emphasized the respect that Prof. Allsopp instilled in students and teachers for Caribbean language, and demonstrated the importance of region-appropriate pedagogies, both for achievement and for dignity.

This event was attended by members of the university community, Allsopp family members and specially invited guests. Additionally, guests from around North America and Europe were able to join. In total, approximately 80 people attended the event, one of the largest audiences for this lecture.