NORTH AMERICA

Unraveling the Essence of Trinidad and Tobago’s Proverbial History

Nestled in the southern Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago boasts diverse landscapes from the serene beaches of Maracas Bay to the vibrant city life of Port of Spain. This twin-island nation is a cultural mosaic, featuring everything from the bustling Queen’s Park Savannah to the tranquil beauty of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

English is the official and dominant language in Trinidad and Tobago due to British colonization, but you’ll hear Trinidadian Creole and a variety of other dialects rooted in African, Indian, and European languages.

The islands were colonized by various European powers – Spain, France, the Dutch – but Britain eventually took full control in 1797 (Trinidad) and retained Tobago after a series of colonial swaps until the early 1800s. Over time, English replaced earlier colonial languages like French and Spanish, especially as the British imported laborers from India and other colonies who were taught English. Important facts about Trinidad & Tobago’s history & society.

Trinidadian English Creole vs Tobagonian English Creole vs Trinidadian French Creole (Patois)

Trinidadian and Tobagonian English Creoles are both varieties of Caribbean English Creole but with regional differences. Trinidadian Creole, spoken on the main island, blends English with African, French, Spanish, and Indian linguistic influences. Explore the history of Trinidadian Creole.

Tobagonian Creole, from Tobago, is closer to other Leeward Caribbean Creoles (like Vincentian or Grenadian) due to British colonial influence and geographic proximity.

Trinidadian French Creole (also known as Patois) is an older, now-endangered language once widely spoken during the 18th–19th centuries when French-speaking settlers and African slaves populated the island. Unlike the English-based Creoles, it’s derived from French vocabulary with African grammar structures – similar to Haitian Creole or Saint Lucian Kwéyòl, though each is mutually unintelligible due to local adaptations. Take a closer look at the history of Trinidadian Patois.

Alphabet & Spelling: All are primarily oral languages. When written, Trinidadian and Tobagonian Creoles use the Latin alphabet, loosely based on English spelling. Trinidadian French Creole may follow French orthographic patterns but lacks standardization.

Eyecatcher: Trinidadian English Creole is peppered with Indian words like dougla (mixed race), roti, and chutney, showing its East Indian heritage, unlike most other Caribbean Creoles.

These linguistic traditions have given birth to unique proverbs that offer insights into the local way of life. Dive into these sayings and uncover a deeper understanding of the nation’s vibrant culture and heritage.

Trinidad and Tobago’s proverbs – Trinidadian Creole

Unveiling the Humor of Trinidad and Tobago’s Proverbs

In Trinidad and Tobago, one amusing proverb that reflects the local wit is, “Cockroach does feel, but fowl does hear.” This proverb humorously illustrates the idea that people may be unaware of certain truths or misdeeds happening around them, akin to a cockroach’s stealthy movements and a fowl’s attentive hearing.

Classic Proverbs from Trinidad and Tobago

• “Better belly buss than good food waste.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: Better to overeat than throw food away.
  • Meaning: Value food and avoid wastage.

• “Crapaud smoke he pipe.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: The frog smokes his pipe.
  • Meaning: Trouble is coming; something bad has happened.

• “Cow never know the use of him tail till the butcher cut it off.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: A cow never knows the use of its tail until the butcher cuts it off.
  • Meaning: This proverb underscores the value of something only after it’s lost or no longer available. It encourages appreciation for what one has before it’s too late, reminding individuals to cherish possessions, relationships, or opportunities while they have them.

• “De higher de monkey climb, de more he show his tail.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: The higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his tail.
  • Meaning: This proverb cautions against arrogance and pride, reminding individuals that the more one tries to boast or elevate themselves, the more their flaws or shortcomings become apparent to others. It underscores the importance of humility and modesty in success.

• “Don’t hang yuh hat higher than yuh head.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: Don’t live beyond your means.
  • Meaning: Be realistic and modest in your ambitions.

• “Every day bucket go a well, one day de bottom mus’ drop out.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: Every day the bucket goes to the well, one day the bottom must drop out.
  • Meaning: This proverb warns against taking advantage of a good situation without considering the consequences. It emphasizes the importance of foresight and preparedness.

• “Fire deh under mus-mus tail and he think it cool.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: There’s danger, but the mouse ignores it.
  • Meaning: Someone is in danger but unaware or careless.

• “Monkey know which tree to climb.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: Monkey knows which tree to climb.
  • Meaning: This proverb highlights the idea of knowing one’s strengths and capabilities. It suggests that individuals should be aware of their abilities and choose tasks or paths that suit them best, akin to how a monkey instinctively selects the right tree to climb based on its skill and comfort.

• “No matter how long rope twist, it go straighten out.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: Eventually, things will become clear.
  • Meaning: Truth or resolution comes with time.

• “Wha sweet nanny goat does run he belly.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: What sweetens the nanny goat makes its belly run.
  • Meaning: This proverb highlights the consequences of indulging in pleasures without considering the potential drawbacks or risks. It warns against the allure of instant gratification and advises prudent decision-making to avoid unfavorable outcomes.

• “When man belly full, he forget God.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: When satisfied, people forget gratitude.
  • Meaning: Prosperity can make people arrogant or ungrateful.

• “When yuh neighbor house on fire, wet yuh own.” (Trinidadian Creole)
  • Translation: When your neighbor’s house is on fire, wet your own.
  • Meaning: This proverb advises being proactive in preventing potential disasters or problems from affecting you. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity and mutual support within communities.

A Symphony of Voices: The Use of Proverbs in Trinidad and Tobago

As we come to the end of our journey through Trinidad and Tobago’s linguistic wonderland, let’s take a moment to savor the colorful array of proverbs that have peppered our exploration.

From the lively streets of Port of Spain to the serene bays of Tobago, these sayings spin tales of resilience and laughter. So, as we bid farewell to this enchanting land, let’s pack our memories with the playful wisdom of these sayings, each a souvenir of our time here.