Languages of Guyana

Languages of Guyana
Official languages English
Sign languages American Sign Language

English is the official language of Guyana, which is the only South American country with English as the official language.[1][2]

Guyanese Creole (an English-based creole with African and/or East Indian syntax) is widely spoken in Guyana.[1]

A number of Amerindian languages are also spoken by a minority of the population. These include Cariban languages such as Macushi, Akawaio and Wai-Wai; Arawakan languages such as Arawak (or Lokono) and Wapishana.[1][2]

Other languages spoken include Chinese, Hindi and Tamil .[1][2]

Second and third languages

Portuguese is an increasingly widely used as a second language in Guyana, particularly in the south of the country, bordering on Brazil.[1] French is widely taught in secondary schools along with Spanish as foreign languages.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Smock, Kirk (2008). Guyana: The Bradt Travel Guide. Bradt. p. 19. ISBN 978 1 84162 223 1.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ali, Arif (2008). Guyana. London: Hansib. ISBN 978-1-906190-10-1.

External links