LETS GO TO HAITI
Adventure Tours
“One Must Not Be Shy Where Language is Concerned.”
― Ann Patchett, State of Wonder
BONJOU
TIMOUN!!
Body Language, Smiles & Hugs
Speak Volumes!
We all know the universal language of love, then add in some Haitian gestures from the video to the right and some basic Creole phrases below, then you'll be ready to go!
Our guide, Cyril and others will also translate when needed and if you'd like to learn even more Creole, check out the Haiti Hub at http://www.haitihub.com
The Two Official Languages of Haiti are French & Haitian Creole.
French is the principal written and administratively authorized language. It is spoken by all educated Haitians, is the medium of instruction in most schools, and is used in the business sector. It is also used in ceremonial events such as weddings, graduations and church masses. Haitian Creole, which recently undergone a standardization, is spoken by virtually the entire population of Haiti. Haitian Creole is one of the French-based creole languages. Its vocabulary is 90% derived from French, but its grammar and influences are from some West African, Taino, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. Haitian Creole is related to the other French creoles, but most closely to Antillean Creole and Louisiana Creole.
Haitian Creole Greetings & Other Basics
Hello: Alo (more commonly used on the phone)
Good morning!: Bonjou!
Goodbye: Orevwa
Good afternoon/evening: Bonswa
Yes: Wi (like OUI in French)
No: Non
How are you?: Kòman ou ye?
Good!: N’ap boule! (most common greeting and response)
I am fine/bad: Mwen byen/mal
Thank you: Mèsi
Please: Tanpri
You’re welcome: Pa de kwa
See you later: Na wè pita
Excuse me: Eskize mwen
What is your name?: Kòman ou rele?
My name is…: Mwen rele …
I am a volunteer: Mwen se yon volontè
I don’t understand: Mwen pa konprann
I don’t speak Creole: Mwen pa pale Kreyòl
Do you speak French/English?: Èske ou pale fransè/anglè?
Speak slowly: Tanpri pale pi dousman
Where is the…: Ki Kote … la ye?
I’m going to…: Mwen prale…
How much is…?: Konbyen sa konte?
For even more free phrases, go to
http://www.travelinghaiti.com/haitian_kreyol.asp