How to Speak Patois for Travelers

Waitress dressed in Creole style.

When traveling to the Caribbean islands, you will hear a number of diverse languages. One of the prevalent languages unique to this area is Patois, sometimes known as Creole or Kweyol. Travel guides will generally show English as the main language--and it is--but when at home with family, many Caribbean people prefer to speak their native language. Here we will guide you through the a few words of social courtesy.

Instructions

1. Know that Patois is very closely related to French. In St. Lucia, the “R” is typically a “W.” Take the word "Creole." In Patois, it is pronounced "Kweyol," changing the “R” to a “W.”

2. 

   Try a few of these Patois words on your next Caribbean vacation and see what reaction you get. Particularly in St. Lucia, as you enter a building, office or even board a bus, children and adults alike greet each other with common courtesy by saying either "bozu" (good morning) or "boswé" (good evening).

3. Memorize these common words:Alé (go)Boswé (good evening)Bozu (good morning)Su plé (please)Mési (thank you)Padon (excuse me)Ki lé i yé? (what time is it?)Koté mwe? (where am I?)Ki bél péi! (what a lovely country!)Mwe vlé o bwé (I want a drink)Vini (come)Wum (rum)Wi (yes)No (no)Pwéso (fish)Bef (beef)Pul (chicken)

4. 

   Make it a practice to learn 10 simple phrases or words before traveling to a foreign country. No one wants to be classified as an “ugly American.” The travelers who make these small efforts are rewarded tenfold in the level of service, kindness and enjoyment they experience while obroad.

Tips & Warnings

• Another cultural courtesy in St. Lucia is to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.

• St. Lucians do not follow the same politically correct protocols as others may, so it is not unusual to hear them addressing each other by the color of their skin, such as "Indian," "white woman" or "black man."