The Guyanais language, also referred to as Kriyòl or the French Guianese Creole language, is a member of the French-based Creole languages. It is spoken by communities in French Guiana and, to a lesser degree, in Suriname and Brazil. The language has been shaped by its history of being spoken between slaves and settlers, with significant influences from French, English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish due to the conflicts and interactions among these colonial powers. Additionally, the French dialect of Caen has significantly influenced the language, differentiating it further from the Creoles of Martinique, Haiti, St. Lucia, and Guadeloupe.

French Guianese Creole and Antillean Creole

French Guianese Creole has various forms of lexical and grammatical differences compared to Antillean Creole. Antillean Creole, also known as French Antillean Creole, is spoken primarily in the French Caribbean islands such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Lucia. It evolved from the interactions between French colonists and African slaves who were brought to work on the plantations. The language is a blend of French, African languages, and elements from Carib and other indigenous languages. Antillean Creole shares many similarities with French Guianese Creole, but the differences are significant enough to cause occasional misunderstandings. The Antillean Creole-speaking community has a strong cultural identity that is deeply rooted in the history of slavery and colonialism in the Caribbean. Although Antilleans can generally understand French Guianese Creole, some differences might cause confusion. These differences include a stronger influence from French and Brazilian Portuguese due to geographical proximity and historical Portuguese presence in French Guiana. Additionally, French Guianese Creole incorporates words of Amerindian and African origin, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage. The language’s structure has been influenced by interactions among French, English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish colonial powers, leading to a unique blend of linguistic features. Notably, the French dialect of Caen has significantly shaped the vocabulary and pronunciation of French Guianese Creole, further distinguishing it from the Creoles of Martinique, Haiti, St. Lucia, and Guadeloupe. As a result, French Guianese Creole presents a rich tapestry of linguistic elements that contribute to its distinct identity.

Language family

Guyanais is a Indo-European language. In the following website you can find its detailed phylogenetic tree.

Linguistic Structures

Guyanais features a unique system of pronouns that combines influences from French and African languages. Unlike standard French, which distinguishes between formal and informal ‘you’ (tu vs. vous), Guyanais uses “ou” universally, like in example (1) regardless of formality. This simplified pronoun system reflects the Creole language’s evolution in a multicultural and multilingual environment, making it distinct from its French and Antillean counterparts.

1. Ou ka palé

   2SG PROG speak

   ‘You speak.’