InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Carifuna http://www.carifuna.com/forum/forums@carifuna.comFri, 10 Feb 2012 05:42:57 GMT20http://www.carifuna.com/forum/Topic194-47-1.aspxHey Missy, creole/dialect is a legitimate language. West Indian creole is a rythmic, colourful language which was born out of the soul of our ancestors during slavery. The designers of slavery and the slave trade were so intent on controlling the African slaves and preventing slave rebellions that they divided families and tribes before shipment to the Caribbean. Thus, what obtained initially on the West Indian plantations were slaves who spoke different languages. What was their solution? Creole/Dialect! The use of the creole and English can co-exist but we have been so negatively socialised by our colonisers that we tend to label aspects of our culture especially our language in negative tones. However, I believe pride in the creole is dependent on where you live in the Caribbean. Jamaicans, St. Lucians for example use their creole with pride and this I believe is grounded on how well national pride and their history have been instilled in their people. A people can have confidence and a strong believe in self if they know their history, if they have been consciously and positively socialised into accepting that history. The great Marcus Garvey puts its nicely, <STRONG>"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like a tree without roots".</STRONG> So Missy, the Fresh- Water Yankees who as soon as they get to the airport to depart our Caribbean shore start talking American or like the English man need our pity because it is a reflection that they do not possess a confidence and a consciousness in who they are as an individual and as part of a rich West Indian civilzation.<P>Like you - I have much more to say but time nah dey!Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:27:56 GMTYutehttp://www.carifuna.com/forum/Topic194-47-1.aspxNow...this is a subject I flip over.....Why? Because it hurts my heart when we West Indians try to drop our local tongues like hot bread. I am not saying that one should not learn to speak standard english language, because that is a universal language and should be taught in schools etc. But why do many of us think it is an embarrassment to talk creole or dialect.....Do we know how this came about? Well from what I was taught, it was the way slaves communicated amongst themselves so Massa couldnt understand.....Hmmmm..Wow....Our foreparents were wise people.....So what is happening to us in today's world? In my opinion, I say know the standard English, and cherish the creole language.....It is a mixture of all kinds of languages.....In St. Vincent &amp; the Grenadines, our creole is a pepper pot of English, African, Spanish, French, Garifuna.....I love it.....it is what I call "sweet talking". So for those of you who "drop" the dialect the minute you board a plane to go Foreign, I say STOP IT, AND STOP IT NOW.......It sounds foolish when you try to talk like a yankee with a whole set of bad grammar......And dont come tell me that you have to speak like this for them to understand. Bullcrappo!! They would understand you if you speak clear, plain simple English.......Observe this next time you hear a West Indian cussing.......The minute a Yankee-West Indian gets mad just listen how he/she switches from the yankee accent to the creole twang....:D. If you are not sure about the grammar, read, read, read......learn the proper english, but keep our sweet talking creole....All yo anderstand wey me ah say? <P>I have already written over quota....I still have a lot to say on this topic.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:14:16 GMTmissy