Language Fun!

Well I have been meaning to do this for awhile but never got around to it to be honest. But today I am in the mood. In Dominica, the individuals speak English and also Creole. Creole is best described as a slang French. To be honest, I can say a few little things in Creole but to have a simple conversation I cannot do. It sad to say but the language is slowing not being passed onto the next generation. On the positive side, there are a number of village who speak A LOT of Creole, I would say that is the Number One Language the villagers will speak.

But even though everyone is speaking English, there are some words that are used a little differently then you may use them in Michigan! Laugh a little with me and enjoy the translation!

OK- Used for ANYTHING! Saying Hello, Acknowledging you hear someone but do not want to talk to them, a response use to answer “How are you”. I would say I say ‘OK’ about 20 times a day if I am in town!

Liming- Hanging out usually enjoying a drink

Jump Up- An outdoor concert that will go on until 4 or 5 the NEXT MORNING!

Free-Up- Similar to a lime but a little more intense. Usually music is involved but not as intense as a Jump Up.

To Free-Up or Relax Yourself- Very similar to a Lime. Just hanging out, enjoying people’s company. Taking your mind off stressors and just enjoying your self

Check your scene- You are at a Lime or a Jump Up and you are just seeing who is around what is going on.

Check yourself- You are getting out of line, making a scene, etc. Making a fool of yourself.

Noise or Making Noise- Getting into an argument with another individual.
Passin Me Straight- You sees someone in town, in the village, on the block and you do not greet them. In Dominican people are ALWAYS making a general greeting, you walk onto the bus you say a general Good Day, you go to the Shoppe you say something, so to not say something is extremely rude.

The Block- A gathering place in a village where there usually is a Rum Shoppe close by and a hand full of people

Top- Up- Putting more money on your phone

Ivy- Cool- Used very simple as OK! Can be used as a question or statement

You Understand- Don’t take it personally; the individual is just making sure we are all on the same page

You Ok, You Safe, You Ivy- All common ways someone may greet you

I Blessed, Everything Blessed- Common ways to answer the question of “You Ok!”

What is the scene?- What is going on tonight, what are you up to?

Come awhile- Come here now

Awhile- Any amount of time from at the exact moment to an hour from now

I there- Common way to answer, How are you?

True- Used ALL the time to show agreement and at the end of statements to make it a question

Nah- Used at the end of a sentence to make the sentence negative. Explain: ‘I am going on the block, Nah’ Translated- I am not going to the block

Slippers- Flip-Flops, rarely worn outside but worn in the home and at the workplace

Pear- An American Avocado