SIR – The Real Academia Española’s attempt to curb the influx of English words into everyday Spanish is reminiscent of King Canute’s futile efforts. The Académie Française has also faced a similar struggle in the past.
On the other hand, English has embraced numerous Spanish imports, particularly from the animal kingdom, with words like alligators and armadillos. We have also incorporated terms like quixotic and aficionado into our vocabulary. We happily purchase jalapeño sauce and chipotle crisps. Additionally, the Wild West has given us words like rodeo and stampede. These New World terms were undoubtedly brought to the Old World by a fleet of galleons.
While it is impossible for a living language to be isolationist, we should strive to be purist in terms of grammar and style.
Professor Tim Connell
Vice-President, Chartered Institute of Linguists
Esher, Surrey
Training doctors as though they were pilots
SIR – We are pleased to note that general practitioners have recognized the impact of tiredness and heavy patient loads on their performance and the potential for mistakes (report, June 1).
Overbooked clinics are not limited to general practice; they are also prevalent in hospital outpatient departments. Concerns arise from errors in the NHS caused by human factors such as fatigue, hunger, multitasking, stress, and emotional issues.
Since the 1989 Kegworth air crash, airlines have identified the various human factors that contribute to serious errors. They have implemented training and systems to minimize mistakes in the cockpit, resulting in no fatalities caused by pilot error on UK-based airlines in over three billion passenger journeys. We have collaborated with senior British Airways training captains to enhance patient safety and team morale through simple measures like regular breaks.
This approach has been implemented in the operating theatre, outpatient clinic, and even during high-stakes postgraduate surgery exams (MRCS) to improve performance.
All individuals involved in healthcare, from frontline providers to senior management and government, should learn from the lessons of aviation. When training healthcare professionals, we often pose a thought-provoking question: “Would you behave differently if you faced the same consequences as an airline pilot does with passengers in the event of an error?”
Professor Peter A Brennan
Chairman, Intercollegiate Committee for MRCS
Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
Dr Rachel S Oeppen
Training Programme Director, University Hospital Southampton
Politely punctual
SIR – Lucy Mangan may believe that she has valid reasons for her perpetual lateness, but they are merely excuses, not reasons.
While an occasional delay may be due to misfortune, consistent lateness reflects a lack of consideration. It has nothing to do with work and parental responsibilities or the unpredictability of public transport.
The message this behavior sends to the person waiting is clear: “Other aspects of my life are more important than you.”
John Graham
Kendal, Cumbria
Whittle memorial
SIR – As a retired member of the United States Air Force, aviation has played a significant role in my life.
I had the privilege of knowing Sir Frank Whittle for over 20 years. In my opinion, he has had a greater impact on shrinking the world than any other individual. He was an extraordinary man, a genius who possessed the foresight, determination, and courage to design, develop, and produce the jet engine.
As Captain Ian Whittle, his son, has suggested, Sir Frank Whittle faced immense obstacles and bureaucratic hindrances. Nevertheless, he never gave up. His achievements have become so commonplace today that they are often taken for granted. This should not be the case.
I propose that British aviation authorities rename London Heathrow Terminal 5 as the Sir Frank Whittle Terminal.
This gesture would serve as a reminder to the world that jet flight originated in Britain and that, apart from the Wright brothers, no individual has exerted a greater influence on aerospace than Sir Frank Whittle.
Joseph M Rougeau
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Quiet, please
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