Acting Chief Cultural Officer Jacinta David has lauded the “Kweyol Spelling Bee” competition stating that it is one of the main ways in which the Creole language is being preserved in Dominica.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the 2014 “Kweyol Spelling Bee Competition” at the Arawak House of Culture on Wednesday David said many young people are missing out on the whole world of tradition since many of them do not speak the language.
“Creole has gone through a process of development over time, the standardization of the language inclusive of the development of the standard writing system is part of that process. Languages however, do become extinct if current trends continue there is the likelihood that in Dominican context creole may become extinct,” she said. “Many young people do not speak creole, creole is a language for much of our oral traditions not being able to speak creole means that you are missing out on a whole world of tradition.”
She added that Creole is also important in our current context when we consider Dominica’s links with Guadeloupe and Haiti and can still continue to function as the main language of communication.
David pointed out further that the Kweyol Spelling Bee is an important step in the preservation of the language. According to her, other crucial steps are being taken to preserve the language such as the introduction of Creole as a subject in school and a Creole Choral Speech competition for Secondary schools.
Learning any language apart fom english is beneficial.
According to David “many young people are missing out on the whole world of tradition since many of them do not speak the language.” Can David be more explicit as to what exactly are the young people missing?
I know I am NOT missing anything by NOT speaking Creole. Personally, I am in good standing with speaking English and my ORIGINAL PATOIS.
So you not highlighting the winners etc?
who won the contest and where are the pictures of the participating schools?
Dominicans believe that if you speak creole it will hinder your command of English. Stupidees this comes in so handy in certain situations eg on teh buses in the UK. US, and other parts of Europe, even in Barbados, and Jamiaca. Useful
As someone who was born in the UK of Dominican parents, all I can say is than heavens for Kweyol! Being able to speak and understand both Kweyol and English from birth is a gift, that enables communication in many situations. It also primes you to learn other languages as you develop an ‘ear’ for how different languages and sounds are formed by the mouth.
RUBBISH!!!