| The national and most commonly spoken language
in Grenada today is English. However, many of the older residents, particularly
those in rural areas of the island, also speak a French dialect called
Patois.
Slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries used this form of French so that
they could communicate without their British masters understanding.
In recent years, Grenadian Patois
and English have become sprinkled with Spanish words. The Spanish comes
from Grenadians who have gone to work in Spanish-speaking countries such
as Panama, Venezuela, Cuba and Costa Rica and returned to Grenada. Patterns
of speech have also been influenced by African languages and by the Rastafarians. |
|
| The influence of history on language can be seen
in the changes in the name of the island over the past 500 years. The first
inhabitants called the island Camerhogne. Columbus renamed it Concepcion,
but this name was soon changed to Mayo on maps. Later on the Spaniards
called it Granada after a region of that name in Spain. The French translated
this name as La Grenade. Finally the British settled in the country and
the current name, Grenada, became widely used. |
| Did
you know?
Patois is as common as English
in Petit Martinique. |
|
| Grenadians are very sociable people. Politics
is a favourite topic of discussion. There are no daily newspapers, but
there are two weeklies and several other news journals, all in English.
There are a number of radio stations, including Radio Grenada, WSFM and
Spice Capital. Grenada TV is the major television channel. |
|
| Canadian
English |
Grenadian
Vocabulary |
| Hello |
Aye |
| Grocery shopping |
Message/make provisions |
| Dishes |
Wares |
| Dress |
Frock |
| Suitcase |
Grip |
| Going out |
Liming |
| Gas station |
Bowser |
| Generator |
Delco |
| Pharmacy |
Doctor shop |
| Dawn |
Day clean |
| Human body |
Soul case |
|
|
|