Page 30 - Discover Curacao

Curaçao is a melting pot with more than 50 nationalities. Afro-Caribbeans make up the majority
of the population of 150,000 inhabitants. One result of the historic slave trade is a rich cultural
heritage, embraced today by islanders and visitors alike. To the present day, Afro-Caribbean
traditions continue to shape Curaçao to the present day. Examples include the colorful language,
Tambú music (Curaçao blues), cookery, religion and spirituality.

LANGUAGE
Papiamentu, the most widely spoken language, developed as slaves from
different origins arrived on Curaçao from different lands. It is a mixture of
African languages, Spanish, Dutch, French, Portuguese, English and Arawak.
Dutch, Spanish and English are also widely spoken today. You’ll even find
locals switching languages several times in a conversation, which can be
both amusing and confusing. In general, visitors can easily get by in English.

TRY TO MEMORIZE THESE...

Bon dia Bon deea Good morning
Bon tardi Bon tardi Good afternoon
Bon nochi Bon nochi Good evening
Awe Ahway Today
Ayera Ahyeeraa Yesterday

Danki Dahnkee Thanks
Bon Bon Good
Dushi Dooshee Kind, sweet, tasty
Bon Biní Bon Beenie Welcome
Kon ta bai? Contabye How are you?
Mi ta bon Meetabon Very well
Danki Dahnkee Thank you
Ayó Ah io Good bye
Kon ta bo nòmber? Kontabo number? What is your name?
Mi yama... Miyama... My name is…
Mi nòmber ta… Minomber ta... My name is…
Mi ta bini di... Mita beenee dee I come from...
Di nada Deenada With pleasure
Te otro biaha Te otro biaha Until next time
Homber Homber Man
Muhe Muhe Woman

Muchanan Muchanan Children