How widely spoken is English or Spanish on the island? Since it is a major tourist destination Im guessing it is fairly common but thought I would ask. Also anyone know any sites that have some good phrases to learn in the local creole?
Language question.
- Thread starter FIST
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
prosdog
Contributor
You will have no problem, English is widely spoken as is Spanish.
Papiamentu phrases that you will hear often
Masha Danki = Thank you very much it is often responded to with "Da Nada"- = roughly your welcome
Bon Dia = good morning
Bob Bini = welcome
You will likely be called "Dushi" at some point, it is a term of endearment, like sweetheart/honey or dear
Papiamentu phrases that you will hear often
Masha Danki = Thank you very much it is often responded to with "Da Nada"- = roughly your welcome
Bon Dia = good morning
Bob Bini = welcome
You will likely be called "Dushi" at some point, it is a term of endearment, like sweetheart/honey or dear
- Messages
- 26,281
- Reaction score
- 5,881
- # of dives
- I'm a Fish!
K
KeithG
Guest
Of you are doing anything remotely touristy like diving or going to a restaurant, then English is the language of choice.
Dutch is used for the Dutch tourists.
Dutch is used for the Dutch tourists.
The folks on Bonaire always amaze me. We go in a restaurant and the waitress takes our order in very good english. turns to the next table and takes the order in spanish, then the next in dutch.
And I struggle along mightily with southern-english...
And I struggle along mightily with southern-english...
I have yet to find any place in the Caribbean where people who are likely to interact with tourists cannot communicate in English or Spanish.
As is true for visitors anywhere, learning a few phrases in the local language, such as "good day" and "thank you" can start a conversation off on the right foot.
As is true for visitors anywhere, learning a few phrases in the local language, such as "good day" and "thank you" can start a conversation off on the right foot.
Similar threads
