With English being the national language of Guyana one would have thought that during my six months there I would have had to ask “what?” just a bit less than I actually did. What they don’t tell you before you come is that although the national language is English, Creolese is what is actually spoken. Although Creolese uses the English vocabulary, the grammar is completely different. In addition, the Creolese language is fond of what Americans would consider old English words such as jeer and vex. In Creolese, me is used for I, while she and he are used in place of all other personal pronouns. Combine these factors with the decidedly Caribbean accent and you find your self at a complete loss to understand everyday conversation on a regular basis. At least until the language begins to seep into your mind and pervade your own vocabulary.
For those who are curious I’ve included a few common phrases and their Creolese equivalents (written as pronounced).
What is happening?-Wappenin?
I don't know - Meh nah know
I am on the phone - Meh deh pon de fone
What do you want - Wuh yuh wat
I’m going now – Meh gwhan
Take my picture – take meh aut
girl – gyal
boy – bai
car – cyar
I am going back to work on Tuesday - Mi a go bak to wuk pon ChewsdeyWhere is Ramona? - a whey Ramona deh?
She is over there. - she deh deh
This water is cold - Dis wata de col col
Story time ... but not in Creolese.
How they could all see the book was really beyond me :)
