The origins of Belizean Creole can be traced back to the 17th century. A time when British and African slaves were brought to the region to work on the sugar plantations. Slaves had to communicate with their British masters, but they did not speak the same language. As a result, a pidgin language, based on English, developed as a means of communication. Over time, this pidgin language evolved into a creole language, with its own unique grammar and vocabulary.

One of the unique features of Belizean Creole is its use of “wahn” instead of “want” and “gon” instead of “going”. For example, instead of saying “I want to go,” one would say “Mi wahn go” in Belizean Creole. Another feature is the use of the word “deh” instead of “there” for example “Mi di go deh” instead of “I am going there”. To learn more phrases, check out our article featuring Belizean Creole phrases tourists can easily learn.

Belizean Creole is a non-standard dialect. It can vary depending on the region and community, so it is always good to get familiar with the local dialect if you are planning to visit Belize. However, it’s widely understood and spoken throughout the country, and it is considered an important aspect of Belizean culture.

The use of Belizean Creole is continuously a topic of debate in Belize, and historically stigmatized as a lower-class, uneducated language. English is the language students are educated in, but teachers and students often fall back on Creole to ensure comprehension. However, in recent years, there is a growing movement to recognize and celebrate Belizean Creole as an important aspect of Belizean culture. At Drift Inn, we promote this line of thought. It is a beautiful language that should be honored.