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LanguageMoreover, this is still Central America, and Spanish is widely spoken in Belize, especially in the northern and western regions near the borders with Mexico and Guatemala. If that's not enough, Belize has three relatively homogenous ethnic groups, the Garífunas and the Kekchi and Mopan Mayas, each of whom has a distinct language. Finally, rounding out this polyglot pastiche, you may also hear some Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, or even the archaic German used by the country's small Mennonite community. Creole, or Kriol, is the local patois, a colorful, rhythmic, and often difficult-to-understand dialect. Although based almost entirely on English, it takes some getting used to before most Westerners can grasp the pronunciations and sentence structures that distinguish Belizean Kriol. While this was originally the language of former black slaves and their descendants, today most Belizeans speak Kriol, and they will often use it amongst themselves in the presence of foreigners if they don't want to be understood. In addition to English, Spanish, and Kriol, Belize's Garífuna (or Garinagu) people have their own distinct language, while the various Mayan tribes still speak primarily their native languages. Creole Terms Creole, or Kriol, is largely based on English, although it does incorporate words and syntax from various African languages as well. Once you get the hang of certain pronunciations and syntactical phrasings, however, it's actually quite easy to understand. Almost any Kriol speaker will understand you if you speak in English. However, they'll be really impressed if you start inserting various Kriol words and phrases into your conversations. Basic Words Agen -- Again An -- And Aks -- To ask Bak -- Back Bwai -- Boy Chinchi -- A very small amount Da -- Is, am, are Da -- At, on, in, to Da -- It is Daata -- Daughter Deh/di -- Am, is, are (located); for instance, "Ih deh pahn di boat" means "He/she is on the boat" Dehn -- Them Doe -- Door Di -- The Fi -- To Fo -- For Ih -- He, she, it Kunku -- Small Nize -- Noise Noh -- Isn't it so? Shudda -- Should have Tideh -- Today Uman -- Woman Unu -- You all Vex/bex -- Angry Waata -- Water Wudda -- Would have Yaiy -- Eye Yaiy waata -- Tears, literally "eye water" Yerriso -- Gossip Wildlife Bilam -- Small river fish Chaaly prise -- Large rat Gaalin -- Heron Gibnut -- Paca Gwaana -- Iguana Hooyu -- Owl Jankro -- Vulture Janny fidla -- Fiddler crab Kwash -- Coati, coati-mundi Taapong -- Tarpon Tuba -- River fish Waari -- Wild pig or peccary Waata daag -- River otter Weewi ants -- Leaf-cutter ant Wowla -- Boa constrictor, also used to refer to a type of basket used for processing cassava for bread Folklore & Traditional Terms Anansi/Hanaasi -- Popular character in local folklore, portrayed as the trickster and hero of local tales Bram -- A dance party held at Christmas; a type of dance at parties Brokdong -- Traditional folk music, from "break down" Gombeh -- Typical hand drum made with goat skin Punta -- Sensual and vigorous dance, also refers to its accompanying music Sambai -- Full-moon fertility dance Tata Duhendeh -- Mythical forest gnome, with no thumbs and backwards feet Wine op -- A lively, hip-swinging dance
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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| Home > Destinations > Central and South America > Belize > In Depth > Language |