Daniel_Williams

Learning Dutch certainly does not seem "necessary" for visiting Sint Maarten, but I was wondering how actively spoken the language is on this half of the island. I learned a little bit of Dutch before visiting Flanders about 10 years ago (mostly forgotten) and would enjoy trying to improve my language abilities if I felt it could make for a more rewarding visit on a potential winter trip. (I find learning languages generally fun, particularly when I know I'll have an opportunity to use them.)

In case anyone's in the know, are there any expressions distinct to Sint Maarten Dutch?

Statia

You will rarely hear Dutch spoken on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. There is such a large array of cultures and nationalities that most everyone speaks English.

However, if you happen to know any French, the language is widely spoken on St. Martin (the French side).

Daniel_Williams

Thank you Statia. I'm already quite fluent in French having lived and worked in Quebec for about 7 1/2 years; it might be interesting to hear the Saint Martin variety though. A college friend of mine was from nearby Saint Eustatius (where you're from?) and she spoke Dutch as one of her first languages (along with Papamiento and English). She helped me with pronunciations when I learned some expressions before going to Flemish Belgium (1991), so that's why I thought my effort might be appreciated by born-and-raised Sint Maarteners. Ah well, too bad, I thought it might be fun to dust off the old Dutch cassettes I bought .

Statia

Daniel, you actually went to college with someone from St. Eustatius? If you don't mind, I'd love to know the person's last name. It's a very small island, so I'm sure I know the family. Wow...small world.

Daniel_Williams

Sherlene Berkel. We lived in the same dorm for a semester at William & Mary. I remember her as having a great sense of humour. Sadly to say, I lost touch years ago.

I thought I remembered her speaking Dutch with one guy from the university, from Sint Maarten, which is perhaps where my confusion arises.

Just out of curiosity, if you know: Is Dutch taught in schools in Sint Maarten or has it essentially gone the way of French in New Orleans there?

Statia

Wow...I just got off the phone with Sherlene about an hour ago. I talk to her often due to the respective companies we work for in that we have to update one another on certain things. I'll be sure to tell her you said hello.

All Dutch Antilleans are taught Dutch as their first language in school (St. Maarten included), so you will find some Antilleans speaking Dutch to one another on occassion, but they still use English more often. I'm sure that Sherlene and the St. Maartener spoke Dutch with one another due to the familiarity of their home language and it was something they had in common.

You will find some people who speak Dutch in St. Maarten, but just like here on Statia it's mostly used in the government and offical capacities.

Daniel_Williams

That's too weird! Anyhow, I'm glad to hear she's alive and well. Definitely give her my best!

And thanks for explaining Dutch on St. Maarten... maybe I'd be better off learning some Papiamento ?

ejcrowe

I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed this post--I love the little connections that people make. I imagine if we tried hard enough there would be six or fewer degrees of separation for many of us on this board!

Statia

You're probably right ejcrowe! It never ceases to amaze me just how small the world really is.

Daniel_Williams

I'm just trying to understand: So if I were to place an order to a waiter in (hopefully-decently-pronounced-but-certainly-broken) Dutch in a restaurant in Sint Maarten, he/she would likely

A) RESPOND BACK IN DUTCH CASUALLY

B) LOOK AT ME CONFUSED AND THEN CONTINUE ON IN ENGLISH

C) NOT UNDERSTAND BECAUSE SOME HAVEN'T LEARNED TO SPEAK DUTCH

D) FAINT WITH SURPRISE

E) LAUGH FOR A MINUTE AND PROCEED IN ENGLISH

F) SMILE APPRECIATIVELY AND RESPOND BACK (SLOWLY) IN DUTCH

Statia

It would very much depend on whether or not the person actually speaks Dutch. If they do, they will more than likely respond in Dutch. I think that in all liklihood you will probably be able to use your Dutch some on St. Maarten, Daniel. Give it a try. If the person you are talking to knows the language, I'm sure they will respond in the same. After all, St. Maarten does get it's share of tourists from Holland.

Howard

Daniel - I don't know what your specific plans are for your trip, or how long it will be, but I would suggest you make a day trip or better yet, an overnight trip to nearby Saba. Extremely friendly people, great scenery, very different than St. Maarten.

Statia

I strongly agree with Howard. Saba is my favorite island in this area simply because it is so vastly differnt from any other island. I can recommend a great tour guide on Saba if you're interested, Daniel.

BTW - Sherlene says hello. I talked to her earlier this morning.

igetaround

If you go to the Indonesian restaurant there (the Wajing Doll - sp?) I believe the owner is Dutch if you want to practice! Generally, you'll find that a lot of the people who work in the stores and restaurants are not of Dutch descent. Have a fabulous trip!

Atlbelle

Statia or Howard, I'm headed to St. Maarten next week and I would love to take a day trip to Saba. Can you tell me the tour guide that you recommend?

Statia

Atlbelle, I highly recommend Eddie Peterson. If you email me at [email protected] I will give you his email address and telephone number.