The late Leela Vernon was awarded the title “Queen of Brukdown,” by the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to preserving the Kriol culture and music.
Although English is the official language of Belize (thanks to British settlers and colonization in the 1800s) and is used in public education, government, and most media outlets, the country’s default language in many households is Kriol (Creole). Belize Kriol specifically developed when enslaved West Africans were subjected to English-speaking owners; as a result, these people were forced to create a dialect using English as a base language. The Kriol culture remains a staple of Belize.
If English is your first language, you’ll be surprised that you can usually decipher the meaning when pronouncing written Krio phonetically. Such as Gud Maanin. / Heloa / Maanin – Good morning and Aftanoon- Good afternoon.
- Ah wahn si yu layta – I’ll see you later.
- Si yu neks taim – Until next time
- / Si yu – Goodbye / See you
- Da how yu di du? – How are you?
- / Gud – Fine, thank you
- Tanks / Tank yu / Tenk yu – Thank you
- Skyooz Mi – Excuse Me
- Dat Okay – It’s Okay
Undoubtedly, reading Kriol phonetically is easier than understanding it when spoken, but with its English roots, there are ways to learn the basics quickly. Want to know more? Here are a few ways to familiarize yourself with our local language while having fun!
Chree Fon Wayz Fi Laan Kriol
Three fun ways to learn Kriol
Kuchriments: A Bileez Kriol fusion weh bring langwij, pipl and kolcha tugeda
A Belize Kriol fusion where we bring language, people, and culture together.
Belizean Andrea Rodriguez and her husband founded Kuchriments, a Kriol take on the word ‘accouterments’, meaning odds and ends and personal accessories. Using a standardized method of spelling Kriol, Andrea found creative ways to share traditional expressions in stylish and fun ways. From a monthly calendar featuring Kriol expressions, translated and explained in English, to a Kriol word search book, scripture cards, tote bags, coffee mugs, and more, all are adorned with charming Kriol sentiments. Her WhatsApp catalog lists all items at https://wa.me/c/5016348107, and orders are shipped internationally. She also features a Kriol “Word of the Day” on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kuchriments. For more information, visit her FB page, @kuchriments on Instagram, or email [email protected].
“Weh Yuh Di Seh?” Card Game
What do you say? Created by Destiny Wagner, Miss Earth 2021 was launched in late 2022.
The game is designed to celebrate the Belizean Kriol language and culture, featuring humorous phrases and expressions. It was inspired by family game nights during the pandemic and aims to foster civic pride among Belizeans. The game allows players to select cards responding to prompts, with the dealer choosing the funniest answer. Wagner emphasizes the importance of celebrating Belizean diversity and creativity through this game.
Available at select stores across Belize. The game can also be ordered online at https://seasonedlingogames.com/product/weh-yuh-di-seh/
Chravl Buk Eena Kriol Ahn Inglish – Travel Book in Kriol and English
Published by the Belize Kriol Project and SIL International
Chravl buk eena Kriol ahn Inglish is a travel book in both Kriol and English and contains common phrases used in Belize. Thirty-six short chapters cover a range of topics/scenarios, including Useful Expressions, When You Meet Someone, When You Ask for Help, Numbers, When You Go Shopping, and more; it’s fun and useful for Belizeans and visitors. Even if you aren’t trying to speak the language, it can help you learn to understand what is being said. All Kriol speak and understand English too. The book was published in 2005 by the Belize Kriol Project and SIL International and is no longer in print. It can be downloaded from the SIL International Language and Culture Archives at https://www.sil.org/resources/archives/10469 at no cost.
