Learning and Speaking Haitian-Creole: Benefits

My family and I are from Haiti, the island in the Caribbean next to Cuba. Although I've been in the U.S. (legally) since my teenage years, I still speak Haitian-Creole fluently. There are different types of the Creole language around the world, especially in the Caribbean, South America, and some countries in the African continent. It's pretty much a combination of the African languages and French or Spanish among others.

Besides the impressiveness and excitement of learning and speaking a new language, there are several benefits to speaking and reading Haitian-Creole. Whether you’re a tourist, student, ex-pat, missionary, or reporter in Haiti, or even in the US or another country.

Here are several advantages:

• If you are of Haitian descent or constantly around Creole speakers, you can learn to speak it so you can finally understand what is being said and not feel left-out.

• You’ll be able to communicate directly to the locals. Although there are some natives who can be used as translators, you also want to understand what to make sure the correct message is being relayed.

• By understanding a new language from any country, you can get by without being misled. If you get lost or if you’d like to purchase an item, you can negotiate and look out for your own interest instead of relying on others.

• Just like in any country, you also want to be able to communicate clearly to the natives in case you ever need help for anything. You can learn what’s happening around you by reading, listening, and understanding.

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