Languages in Curacao

The island of Curacao has a very rich culture, and even though the official language is Dutch, the inhabitants also speak English, Spanish and Papiamentu - a Creole mixture between various European languages and Arawak Indian. The language of Papiamentu is part of Curacao's identity. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century, as a way of communication between the African slaves of the Portuguese and Spanish colonists.

Papiamentu contains traces of the language spoken by the first inhabitants of the island, the Arawak Indians, who came from South America. The first Europeans to see the island were several members of a Spanish expedition, therefore for more than a century Spanish was introduced as official language. When Netherlands achieved independence from Spain, the Dutch colonization began. The whole history of Curacao is reflected in Papiamentu.

No matter what language they speak,  the people of Curacao are very friendly and welcoming. Masha danki!