The
official language of the Netherlands Antilles is Dutch, although English and Spanish are also widely spoken, as is
Papiamentu , a creole language that developed in Curaηao in the 1500s between the African slaves and their owners. The colourful language quickly spread to Aruba and Bonaire and evolved over time as Portuguese and Spanish missionaries, Dutch merchants and South American traders each added their own vocabulary.
While you're more likely to hear English spoken in Aruba (due largely to the influx of US visitors) and Dutch in Curaηao, Papiamentu is the dominant language in Bonaire . The locals will be delighted if you attempt a few of the following phrases:
Useful phrases
| Welcome |
Bon bini
|
| Good morning |
Bon dia |
| Good afternoon |
Bon tardi
|
| Good evening |
Bon nochi
|
| How are you? |
Con ta bai?
|
| I am fine |
Mi ta bon
|
| Have a good day |
Pasa bon dia
|
| Thank you |
Masha danki
|
| Good bye |
Ayo |
| You're welcome |
Di nada |
| Very good! |
Hopi bon
|
| See you later |
Te aworo
|
