The French dominated Martinique in 1815. An increasing number of islanders speak Creole even though French is the official language of Martinique. In Martinique, Creole is spoken more than it is written as opposed to Haiti. As part of an oral tradition passed on through storytellers during evening meetings, Creole was traditionally used as a language to teach history and to transfer traditional tales and fables central to Martinique's heritage. Nowadays, the Creole language from Martinique is beginning to earn a place in world literature.
There is a linguistic cohabitation of French and English with Creole on the island, especially in hotels and tourist offices. Local population converses in a Creole composed of a certain number of Spanish and English expressions and a significant number of French words.
Useful Martinican Creole Phrases:
| Ba mwen dlo Can I have water |
Mésyé zé dam bonjou ! : |
Sa ou fé ? How are you ? |
| Resté la, an ka vin ! : Stay there, I’m coming ! |
An pa tini pwen lajan : I have no money. |
Ba mwen an CRS : Can I have a rum punch (lemon, rhum, sugar) . |
| An nou zouké ô swé a : Let’s go dancing tonight. |
Fréquenté chien, ou ka trapé pice : If we mix with bad people, we will get into trouble. |
Es ou tandé sa mwen di ou ? : Did you hear what I said ? |
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Fok ou mimyin pou apprend nagé : |
An nou pran on lagout : Let’s have a glass of rum. |
Sa ki pa bon pou zwa pa bon pou kan na : Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t like them to do to you. |
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