English is the official language of Belize, a former British colony. Although only 4 percent of the population speaks it as their first language, a majority speak English very well.[1]
Kriol is spoken as the first language of 33 percent of Belizeans.[1] It is an English-based Creole language with words and syntax from various African languages (namely Akan, Igbo, and Twi),[2] Miskito, Spanish and other languages. Belizean Kriol shares similar phonology and pronunciation with other Caribbean English Creoles. Many of its words and structures are lexically and phonologically similar to English, its superstrate language. It is considered by some linguists to be a dialect of English, as the two are mutually intelligible. About 75 to 80 percent of the population speak some Kriol and English.
Spanish has been spoken widely in Belize since the 1840s when Mestizo refugees came to Belize. It is the first language of 46 percent, and is spoken very well by a majority of Belizeans.[1]
Mayan languages such as Kekchi, Mopan and Yucatec are mother tongues to about 9% of the population.[1]
Garifuna is the first language of about 3 percent of the population. It is an Arawakan/Maipurean-based language with elements of the Carib, French, English, and Spanish.[3] In 2001, UNESCO declared the Garifuna language, dance, and music a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity".
The Germanic Plautdietsch dialect of the Mennonites is the first language of about 3 percent of the population.
Chinese, Hindustani and other languages are mother tongues of about 1 percent of the population.
English is the primary language of public education, with Spanish taught in primary and secondary school as well. Bilingualism is very common. Literacy currently stands at nearly 80%.
| Language | Speak Very Well | Speak Some | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 54% | 26% | 80% |
| Spanish | 52% | 11% | 63% |
| Language | Native speakers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | 94,422 | 46.0% |
| Kriol | 67,527 | 32.9% |
| Maya Kekchi | 10,142 | 4.9% |
| English | 7,946 | 3.9% |
| Garifuna | 6,929 | 3.4% |
| Maya Mopan | 6,909 | 3.4% |
| Plautdietsch | 6,783 | 3.3% |
| Chinese | 1,607 | 0.8% |
| Maya Yucatec | 1,176 | 0.6% |
| Hindustani | 280 | 0.1% |
| Other / not stated | 1,431 | 0.7% |
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