The Western World Daily Readings on Geography Chapter 65 Latin America and the Caribbean (LACAR) Cultural Geography I

CHAPTER 65 Latin America and the Caribbean ( Cultural Geography I Language Created by Ahmed from Noun Language is a core element of culture . Without shared language , the ability to communicate is impossible , thus eliminating the opportunity for people to belong together as a group or as a nationality ( or in the terms of political geography , as a nation ) Often new languages are learned in order for people to communicate in different countries , for purposes of travel , trade , and diplomacy . A second language that is favored for these purposes is known as a lingua franca in fact , English commonly works in this way internationally . In other settings , languages evolve or even merge elements in order for different peoples to live together in the same location . Examples here include Creole languages that are mixtures of African languages and usually European languages . Typically , these Creole languages were developed as the result of colonialism . is one such Creole language . sometimes ) is a Creole language spoken in the Netherlands . Note the Regional Geography discussion ofthe political standing of Caribbean islands ofthe . While Spanish presence in the Caribbean began with the voyages of Christopher Columbus , other countries soon followed in seeking land and riches . Portuguese involvement here is clear , perhaps a bit of British 320

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN ( CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY I 321 involvement however , Dutch presence began with possession in 1634 and was maintained through to the current flexible political and economic connections . The term is derived from the Portuguese and Spanish shared casual term or , meaning to talk . Contributions to language are numerous . In instance , the native peoples were present in modest numbers when Spanish explorers first arrived in 1499 . As often was the case , exploration brought conquest . Undoubtedly , elements of the native language were used in initial conversation between and Spanish people however , there is little of this native tongue in modern . In 1634 Dutch forces captured Curacao , bringing control , as the Dutch West Indies Company , that also entailed linguistic and cultural elements . The Dutch soon lost their territories in Brazil , increasing Curacao importance for Dutch presence in the region . In fact , there was some migration of people from Dutch Brazil to Curacao . A curious bit of history is that this flow of people included numerous . For this merger of languages to fall into the Creole category , African languages must be part of the mix . Historically , this occurred through the slave trade . The European slave trade from Africa to the New World has been estimated a million people . Over those many years , perhaps a half million ofthese slaves were brought by the Dutch to Curacao , some to pass on to other locations , but some to stay . Thus , we have the introduction of African languages to Curacao , filtering as well to other Dutch sites in the Caribbean . These Dutch as well as slaves from areas of Portuguese influence in the Cape Verde islands and the continental region contributed substantially to the development of . Curacao uses as one of its official languages , along with Dutch and English . In , it is and Dutch . In , Dutch with regional . The version of is considered one dialect , as slightly different than that used in and Curacao . Take a chunk each from Spanish , Portuguese , and Dutch . Add a sprinkle of English , and other languages . Blend over a few hundred years . Season to make it tasty and useful for residents of the ABC islands of that original Netherlands . It is . It is fun for linguists . Did You Know ?

A key word in language is . This word has several meanings and is used frequently in the islands . When you refer to food , sushi means tasty . However , sushi also can mean babe , a slang term for a man woman Amban market , photo by or even casually to refer to a woman . This may be more common if the woman is sexy , but curiously it can also be applied to an attractive man . Affectionately , is a proud reference to the island Curacao and its way of life . Look it up . How would in Curacao be alike or different from Dutch words , leuk , and ?

Perhaps some of each , but certainly some leuk and .

322 JOEL QUAM AND SCOTT CAMPBELL CITED AND ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY Different Ways to Use the Word on Curacao . Accessed May 22 , 2009 . Market in . Generic (