Languages of Aruba

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

On the Caribbean island of Aruba, there are many languages spoken. The official language is Dutch, and schools require students to learn both English and Spanish. French and Portuguese are also common on the island. However, Arubans also speak a local creole language known as Papiamento.

Dutch has been the official language of the island for years as the island is a member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but Aruba has recognized English as an international language, and has required that children learn English as early as the 4th grade. Aruba's location off the coast of South America has also made Spanish extremely important. Students begin learning this as early as 5th grade.

Papiamento is a combination of Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, and was initially created in 16th century Curaçao as a slave language that allowed slaves and slave owners to communicate. Papiamento's cadence is influenced by missionaries from Portugal and Spain as well as the native Arawaks.

This native language was not considered to be as important on Aruba until 1995, and was officially added to school curriculum in the 1998 and 1999 school year on Aruba. The island has embraced this culture and items like a Papiamento dictionary and fairy tales written in the language are available in island stores.

[edit] Selected Aruban Papiamento Phrases

Bon dia: Good Morning

Bon tardi: Good Afternoon

Bon nochi: Good Night

Bon bini: Welcome

Danki: Thank you

Ayo: Good-bye

Pasa un bon dia: Have a good day

Con ta bay?: How are you?

Mi ta bon: I am fine.

Cuant'or tin?(Cuanto ora tin?): What time is it?

Mi por papia Papiamento: I can speak Papiamento.

Si: Yes

No: No

Aruba ta bunita: Aruba is beautiful

[edit] References

Government of Aruba (2005). "Languages of Aruba". Retrieved Dec. 8, 2005.

IIWINC (2005). Aruba Guide - Language. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2005.