Languages of Aruba

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On the Caribbean island of Aruba, there are many languages spoken. The official language is Dutch, and schools require students to learn both English and Spanish. French and, to a lesser extent, Portuguese are also present on the island. However, Arubans also speak a local creole language known as Papiamento, according to the Government of Aruba[1] an Afro-Portuguese Creole.

Dutch has been the official language of the island for years as the island is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but Aruba has recognized English as an international language, and has required that children learn English as early as the 4th grade. Aruba's location off the coast of South America has also made Spanish extremely important. Students begin learning this as early as 5th grade.

Papiamento is a creole language with roots mainly from Portuguese, and to a lesser extent, from Dutch and English, and originated in the 16th century as a means of communication among slaves and slave drivers.

This native language was not considered important on Aruba until 1995 and was officially included in school curriculum in 1998 and 1999. Since, the island has embraced Papiamento, a Papiamento dictionary and fairy tales written in Papiamento are now available on the island.

[edit] Selected Aruban Papiamento Phrases

Papiamento Spanish Portuguese English
Bon dia Buenos días Bom dia Good morning
Bon tardi Buenas tardes Boa tarde Good afternoon
Bon nochi Buenas noches Boa noite Good night
Bon bini Bienvenido Bem vindo Welcome
Danki Gracias Obrigado Thank you
Ayo Adiós Adeus Good-bye
Pasa un bon dia Tenga un buen día Passa um bom dia Have a good day
Con ta bay? Cómo estás? Cómo le va? Como está/vai? How are you?
Mi ta bon (Yo) Estoy bien Eu estou bom I am fine
Cuant'or tin? Cuanto ora tin? Qué hora es/son? Que horas tem/são? What time is it?
Mi por papia Papiamento (Yo) Puedo hablar Papiamento Eu posso falar Papiamento I can speak Papiamento
Si Si Sim Yes
No No Não No
Aruba ta bunita Aruba es bonita Aruba está/é bonita Aruba is beautiful

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Languages