Before gaining sovereignty, St. Lucia was at the center of a ferocious power struggle between the British and the French. The Carib and Arawak settlers were also part of the battle for power, but the Island eventually came under British rule.
As a result, St. Lucia is home to people of various descent. A large number of locals speak Creole or Patwa, a French-based dialect. Even though most people in Saint Lucia speak this language, English is the official language.
St. Lucian English
The history of St. Lucian English traces its roots back to the days when the British eventually took control of the island in 1814. However, historians believe that the natives learned the language earlier than that after interacting with European settlers centuries before the signing of the Paris Treaty. After gaining independence from Britain in 1979, English has remained the most predominant language. Over the years, St. Lucian English has become the official language in all sectors. The language is used in government, business, media, entertainment, and school. However, according to various studies, about 20% of the island speaks predominantly Creole.
The accents, syntax, grammar, and pronunciation of St. Lucian English might differ from British or American English, but most people speak clearly without cultural influences. With this in mind, tourists can visit this tropical island without expecting communication barriers.
St. Lucian Creole (Patwa)
The majority of St Lucians speak French Creole, popularly known as Patwa. The language is a mixture of French and other West African languages, and it comes complete with its syntax and grammar. The language traces French colonization before the British Crown took over the island. Patwa is often used in informal settings for conversations, at home, or in the streets. However, sometimes, Patwa may be used for educational purposes or during special local festivals. Some radio stations use Creole when conveying messages to the 20% of the predominantly Creole-speaking population in St. Lucia. Interestingly, some tourists find the Creole dialect intriguing and actually learn to speak as much of it during their visit.
Visitors to Saint Lucia should have no worries about communication. Everyone speaks and understands English. Even though the pronunciations and accents may differ from the usual British/American English, the language is still the same. Interestingly, some locals use English when conversing in the indigenous Creole dialect, making it easy for vacationers to get along and understand some sentences.
Damian is a co-founder, editor, and author at Islanderkeys. He is also a dedicated father and husband. Damian is an IT Manager / Web developer by profession, but he loves to Blog and share his knowledge about St. Lucia in travel forums.
