Guyanese Creolese

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Guyanese Creolese is a dialect of English spoken throughout Guyana and is the mode of speech used most often by natives for informal communication. It is often considered to be a less educated mode of speech, which is why Guyanese prefer to use standard British English in formal settings. Many Guyanese move fluently between the two dialects depending on whom they are speaking with and for what purpose. The bias against the local language is probably a result of Guyana's British colonial past.

While foreigners (who speak standard English) and Guyanese (who speak Creolese) will find each other mutually intelligible, differences between the two dialects can present challenges in communication.

Guyanese living in country areas or who have not had much formal schooling are likely to speak a 'thicker' Creolese, that is, a dialect that is further from standard English. Guyanese living in the capital or with more education will likely have speech patterns that are closer to standard English.

The grammar and vocabulary of Guyanese Creolese are similar to Jamaican Creole and are also related to forms of English spoken by African Americans.

While the Guyanese school system teaches children in Standard English, Creolese is alive and well and can be found in newspapers, books, songs, and local advertising.