Papiamento

The language of the home in Aruba is Papiamento, a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Indian, English, and even some African dialects. Papiamento is the language of the streets. To the ear, it resembles Spanish.

Here are some common Papiamento phrases:

•Bon Bini. Welcome.
•Con ta bai? How are you?
•Mi ta bon. I am fine.
•Bon dia. Good morning.
•Bon nochi. Good evening.
•Pasa bon dia. Have a good day.
•Hopi bon. Very good.
•Ayo. Good-bye.

When youngsters head to school, they receive instruction in Dutch, because of Aruba’s continuing ties to the Kingdom of Holland. Once they reach third or fourth grade, instruction in English begins. Spanish is introduced during the junior high years, and in high school students select from French or German.

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