I am no linguist as my trials with the beautiful Russian language will attest but where ever we go on holiday we try to learn at least a few basic words and phrases in the local language in order to be able to speak to the locals in hotels, bars and restaurants. Speaking English slowly and loudly is an unforgivable trait of my countrypeoples to which I would rather not be party. In France, a frequent destination, I know enough to get by with schoolgirl French. Similarily in Spanish speaking countries although I read better than I speak it. When we went on safari in Tanzania I learned a few words of Swahili which earned me lots of Brownie points for trying but lots of conversations where I was immediately out of my depth!
Aruba has four languages. As it is a former Dutch colony which retains a Dutch presence in the form of a Governor, Dutch is one of the official languages. Sean lived in Holland for a couple of years but everyone there speaks excellent English so he found it difficult to learn more than a couple of phrases as they all wanted to test their English skills on him. Also it involves a lot of phlegm so has never appealed to me as a language to learn. I figure it is bad enough to insult someone by speaking their language badly without spitting all over them in the attempt.
Spanish is another common language here. Being so close to South America this is understandable and easy enough for European travellers. With over a million and a half visitors, mainly American, English is also very common, with most islanders speaking at least a little. All three languages are taught in schools here. The fourth, and native language, is Papiemento, a language that was developed by the local Amerindians and African slaves in order to be able to communicate. It is a mixture of Spanish and Dutch with some other words intersprersed. Papiamento received official language status on the island in 2005.
I learned a couple of phrases such as Masha Danki (Thank you) and Bon'nochi (good night) etc before we came here and I have received great praise for such limited knowledge. For example, one evening when the maid came to turn down the bed I opened the door to find a large Aruban woman of about 60 years old who spoke very little English. She pointed to her name badge - Cecilia - and then pointed to the towels and toiletries on the trolley. 'Nada ,danki' I said. She looked surprised then handed me 2 chocolates (they usually leave chocs on the pillows when they turn down the bed). ' Masha danki' I said. Cecelia squealed with delight and cupped my face in her massive hands. She then planted a huge kiss on my cheek, before wishing me 'Bon'nochi' and dancing away down the corridor as I wished her the same.
I therefore decided to try to learn a little more Papiamento! I bought a book 'Guia Papiamentoden Cuater Idioma' (Guide to Papiamento in 4 languages)
There are, of course, many useful phrases in the book such as 'po fabor' - please, 'No preocupabo' - don't worry, and 'Mi no sa' - I don't know. Those who know spanish will see th esimilarities. However, I think it goes beyond normal tourist, or even everyday requirements when it teaches - 'Cuanto biaha mester haci e pos bashi?' (How often does the septic tank need emptied?) or 'Unda e partera ta biba? (Where does th emidwife live?)
Personally, I think I will stick with, 'Habami oficina di tourismo, pa fabor.' (Take me to the tourist office, please). From there all things are possible.
