Belizean Kriol Language

Belizean Kriol is a unique language spoken by most all Belizeans. For many years the language was not regarded as a formal one and it was often referred to as simply a dialect. Kriol is similar to other Caribbean patois in that it is loosely based around one central language- English, with influences from other languages such as African Yoruban languages and Spanish as a result of the clash of cultures that occurred during the region's history as first a Spanish, then British colony. The result is a lyrical and complexly structured language with key characteristics such as a lack of past tense and an evolution of borrowed words from Spanish and English. The National Kriol council has taken up the task of garnering respect and pride for the largely spoken language, becoming the first institution to create a dictionary of the Kriol language. The council has recently commission that the Bible be translated into Kriol as well. For more info go to: http://nationalkriolcouncil.org