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Papiamento: The language of the Caribbean ABC Islands with the Fasttranslator Language Services

Papiamento is a creole language. More than three hundred thousand people on what are called the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao speak Papiamento.

How much does a translation into Papiamentu cost?

The standard rate for translations from English into Papiamentu is $ 0,34 per word and for translations from Papiamentu into English the industry rate is $ 0,22. For new customers or large texts (more than 5,000 words) we may significantly reduce our rates. For urgent jobs that need several translators working simultaneously, we'll apply a surcharge. For a full list of rates per language, please visit Rates table for most requested language combinations.

What does the Papiamento language consist of?

The lexicon of Papiamento mostly consists of Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese loanwords. In other words, it consists of the languages spoken by former colonists. Most words and phrases come from Portuguese. However, a vanishing, small amount was taken from African languages as well. We require our translators to be native speakers who were raised with the Papiamento language. They are familiar with its unique linguistic and cultural aspects making them capable of translating your texts with speed and accuracy. We will gladly advise you by phone and by email. You are also welcome to use the request form located on the right hand side to send us the text you would like translated.

How did Papiamento come into existence?

Papiamento first arose in Curaçao during modern times. From there, the language first spread to Aruba and then to Bonaire. However, Dutch colonization was what really caused Papiamento to boom. In an effort to set themselves apart from the slaves, Dutch colonialists kept their language from them, leaving the slaves no other option than to use other languages to communicate. This mixture of African slave languages, Portuguese, Dutch, German, and the Spanish of the Sephardic Jews ultimately led to the creation of Papiamento, which gradually grew more prominent until becoming the official lingua franca, ousting Portuguese entirely. About two hundred years ago, after many Spanish emigrants arrived in the Caribbean after escaping the Catholic mission in their mother country, the Spanish language made a very large imprint on Papiamento. Portuguese influence on the Papiamento language began to decline from there on. Entrust us with the professional translation of your texts into and from Papiamento. Regardless of which language combination and which subject area we have to cover, we find the right translator for every project. See for yourself and get into contact with us now.

The Papiamento language today

As with all creole languages, Papiamento grammar is simple and consistent with very rarely occurring irregularities. The subject and predicate always remain the same. Verbs are never conjugated in Papiamento. There is no differentiation of genders, i.e., no masculine, feminine, or neutral. Forming plurals is extremely easy. Papiamento is also a tonal language. Pitch within a word determines which of its possible meanings it takes. Today, Papiamento possesses an extraordinarily high status in all social strata on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Little by little, Papiamento grew to be spoken in all societal groups on the ABC islands as the common language. This language remains in a continuous state of expansion. Even today, the dances, music, and theater on the ABC islands are dominated by the use of the ubiquitous Papiamento language. Even the television stations on these islands broadcast in Papiamento. If you have any questions or want to send us a text you would like translated, you can reach us on the phone and by email. We look forward to hearing from you!

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