Hear
Kwéyòl
Kwéyòl is a native language of Dominica, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage, deep routed traditions and diverse history. With French roots and an African rhythm, the language captures the distinctive cultural identity of the nature isle and its place in the Caribbean.
Listen and learn
Begin with
the everyday
Tap the speaker, hear the phrase and let the rhythm come before perfection.
Bonjou
/bon-zhoo/
Good morning
Sa ka fèt?
/sah kah fet/
What is happening?
Mwen byen
/mwen bee-en/
I am well
Mèsi an chay
/meh-see ahn shy/
Thank you very much
The drum
speaks first
Bélé, cadence-lypso and lapo kabwit turn language into movement. The call begins; the village answers.
Culture lives in ordinary moments
The kitchen
Callaloo simmers while stories travel from one generation to the next.
The village fête
Madras, music and shared food turn the street into a gathering place.
The wake night
Songs, dominoes and tiwéy keep memory present through the night.