Why Our Children Need to Learn Kwéyòl

Many Saint Lucian parents and grandparents grew up with Kwéyòl all around them, yet some of their children barely speak it. For a long time the language was discouraged in schools and seen as something to leave behind. Today more and more families feel differently. Here is why we believe our children need Kwéyòl.

It connects them to their family

For many children, Kwéyòl is the language of their grandparents. Being able to understand their stories, jokes and advice is a gift that cannot be replaced. When children cannot speak it, something precious is lost between generations.

It gives them a strong sense of who they are

Knowing your own language and culture builds pride and confidence. Children who value where they come from are better prepared to take their place in a wider world.

Two languages are better than one

Growing up with more than one language is common around the world, and research on bilingual children has linked it to benefits such as greater awareness of how language works. Learning Kwéyòl does not stop a child from doing well in English. Children are very good at learning more than one language at the same time.

It makes learning other languages easier

Kwéyòl shares much of its vocabulary with French. A child who knows Kwéyòl has a head start on French, and on the other Creole languages spoken across the Caribbean.

It keeps the language alive for the future

Today's children will be tomorrow's parents. If they learn Kwéyòl now, they can pass it on to their own children. If they do not, the chain can break in a single generation.

How to help your child learn

• Speak it at home. Even a few phrases a day make a difference.
• Make it fun. Songs, stories and games work better than drills. Our games are free and made for learners of all ages.
• Learn together. If your own Kwéyòl is rusty, learn alongside your child. Children love a parent who is learning too.
• Celebrate it. Take the family to Jounen Kwéyòl and Creole Heritage Month events every October.

Children under 13 should play with a parent's permission. Our Privacy Policy explains how to keep their play safe, and our learning plan is a great place to start together.