I am on a mission to speak, write, preserve and share the Creole “Kwéyòl” language of the Nature Island, Dominica.
What is Kwéyòl?
Kwéyòl is often referred to as “patwa” or “patois” and “broken French.” It is a recognized and accepted language with its alphabet and grammatical practices. It originated during the slave trade around the 17th and 18th centuries. Slaves from various African tribes had to find a way to communicate among themselves – Kwéyòl was born.
Where Kwéyòl is Spoken
Kwéyòl is spoken in Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, French Guyana, Haiti, Louisiana, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Reunion. Kwéyòl is also spoken in St. Maarten and parts of Trinidad and Grenada.
My Experiences with Kwéyòl
Growing up in Dominica, we were not allowed to speak Kwéyòl. Only the grownups spoke the language.
In Gemsinthegarden, I use Kwéyòl terms and English to preserve and raise awareness of this precious gem. For example, in some blogs, I use English and Kwéyòl. My interview with Govern Moore from Moore’s Organic Garden is in the Kwéyòl language.
While I am not a fluent speaker, I find every opportunity to speak with anyone who will humor me. Typically the result of my conversation is a mixture of English and Kwéyòl because there are many Kwéyòl words that I do not remember. At those times, I often switched to English, asked how you say this in Kwéyòl (patois), and continued the conversation.
I have become used to the chuckles and comments such as “ou ka mode lang ou” you are biting your tongue, or “Ou pais konnet lanng manman” you do not know the language of your mother (motherland).
I love the Kwéyòl language and find no better avenue to incorporate the language than in Gemsinthegarden. I will not always get the spelling and pronunciation correct, and I welcome your feedback.
Let’s learn Kwéyòl together!
