| Languages Of Aruba |
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Dutch has been the official language of the island for years as the island is a member of the Netherlands Antilles , 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 combination of Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, and was initially created in 16th century Curaçao as a slave language that allowed slaves and slave owners to communicate. Papiamento's cadence is influenced by Missionaries from Portugal and Spain as well as the native Arawaks . This native language was not considered to be as important on Aruba until 1995, and was officially added to school curriculum in the 1998 and 1999 school year on Aruba. The island has embraced this culture and items like a Papiamento dictionary and fairy tales written in the language are available in island stores. Selected Aruban Papiamento Phrases Bon dia: Good Morning Bon tardi: Good Afternoon Bon nochi: Good Night Bon bini: Welcome Danki: Thank you Ajo: Good-bye Pasa un bon dia: Have a good day Con ta bai: How are you? Mi ta bon: I am fine. kwan tor tin: What time is it? Mi por papia Papiamento: I can speak Papiamento . References Government of Aruba (2005). "Languages of Aruba" . Retrieved Dec. 8, 2005. IIWINC (2005). Aruba Guide - Language . Retrieved Dec. 8, 2005. |