Papiamento

Classification and related languages

Creole -

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Portuguese-based (often also classified as Iberian-based)

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Papiamento is a creole language based mainly on Portuguese, African languages, Dutch, and the Arawak language. Spanish is a modern influence.

Related Topics:
Creole language - Portuguese - African languages - Dutch - Arawak - Spanish

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Papiamento can easily be compared and linked with other Portuguese creoles, especially the African ones (namely Forro, Kriol and the Cape Verdean Crioulos). For instance, Compare Mi ("I" in Cape Verdean Creole and Papiamento) or bo (meaning you in both creoles). Mi is from the Portuguese mim (IPA: , me) and bo is from Portuguese vós (you). The use of "b" instead of "v" is very common in the African Portuguese Creoles due to their relation with Northern Portugal dialects. Papiamento is, in some degree, intelligible with Cape Verdean creoles and it can be explained by the immigration of Portuguese Sephardic Jews from Cape Verde to these Caribbean islands.

Related Topics:
Forro - Kriol - Crioulo - IPA

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Another comparison is the use of the verb "ta" from vernacular Portuguese "tá" (from "estar", to be) with verbs where Portuguese does and with others where it does not use it: "Mi ta + verb", also the rule in the Cape Verdean Creoles. These issues can also be seen in other Portuguese Creoles.

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Venezuelan Spanish is a constant influence today. Many Papiamento speakers are also able to speak Dutch (the official language of the Dutch Caribbean), English, and Spanish.

Related Topics:
Dutch - English - Spanish

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