Dominica Kwéyòl Orthography
Gregory Rabess
Kreyolis Dominikè
Manm Konmite pou Etid Kweyol
gregrabess@gmail.com
https://doi.10.57222/BAZD1898
Historical Overview
The Kwéyòl orthography used in Dominica is the GEREC system, developed by academincs and researchers associated with the then Universite Antilles-Guyane based in the Overseas Departments of France in the Caribbean. This orthography was adopted by KEK from its inception in June 1981. Before that, KEK members had attended a series of Kweyol orthography workshops organized by the Folk Research Centre of St.Lucia. During its formative years in the early 80s, the Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK) promoted this orthography through literacy classes and the print media. Another effort during those years was the Ekspéwyans Kwéyòl radio programme hosted by Felix Henderson, a KEK member. This programme included a call-in quiz feature on Kwéyòl words and phrases. Individual KEK members such as Marcel Djamala Fontaine and Felix Henderson promoted the orthography via the publication of various texts on kwéyòl grammar. Alergnon ‘Sinki’ Rabess, another KEK member produced a video Kann Kanna Kannada - a Creole Primer, posted on You Tube (50) kann,kanna,kannada,, a Creole primer. - YouTube. More recent efforts by KEK to promote the Kweyol orthography was the Kwéyòl Spelling Bee competition for primary schools launched in 2010. Despite these efforts, there has been no sustained campaign to promote the writing system in Dominica. In this situation, people write Kwéyòl in their own way, relying on the English alphabet.
Using the Orthography
In recent years, with the advent of social media, there is evidence of greater use of written Kwéyòl, for example, in messaging and chat applications. There is also a more significant presence and visibility of Kwéyòl on signage, posters, billboards, banners, brochures, product labels, and other promotion or identification material. Kwéyòl texts are seen on buses (bus identification), other private vehicles, and in public spaces as graffiti. Occasionally one would find articles, special features, and even front page headlines in various newspapers in Kweyol. There is also an increased presence of Kwéyòl hymns in religious service pamphlets and handouts.
The music industry, too, is driving the use of written Kwéyòl. This is seen in CD album covers, liner notes, music videos especially lyric videos, print, and other music/artiste promotional material. In the broader entertainment industry, there is greater use of Kwéyòl for naming and branding music and entertainment events and festivals. All these examples highlight diverse situations and practical reasons for using Kwéyòl texts. This also reflects a new awareness and a more positive attitude to Kwéyòl among the population. At the same time, there is often no adherence to the standard orthography hence the need to promote the standard orthography.
The Kwéyòl orthography used in Dominica is the GEREC system, developed by academincs and researchers associated with the then Universite Antilles-Guyane based in the Overseas Departments of France in the Caribbean. This orthography was adopted by KEK from its inception in June 1981. Before that, KEK members had attended a series of Kweyol orthography workshops organized by the Folk Research Centre of St.Lucia. During its formative years in the early 80s, the Konmité pou Etid Kwéyòl (KEK) promoted this orthography through literacy classes and the print media. Another effort during those years was the Ekspéwyans Kwéyòl radio programme hosted by Felix Henderson, a KEK member. This programme included a call-in quiz feature on Kwéyòl words and phrases. Individual KEK members such as Marcel Djamala Fontaine and Felix Henderson promoted the orthography via the publication of various texts on kwéyòl grammar. Alergnon ‘Sinki’ Rabess, another KEK member produced a video Kann Kanna Kannada - a Creole Primer, posted on You Tube (50) kann,kanna,kannada,, a Creole primer. - YouTube. More recent efforts by KEK to promote the Kweyol orthography was the Kwéyòl Spelling Bee competition for primary schools launched in 2010. Despite these efforts, there has been no sustained campaign to promote the writing system in Dominica. In this situation, people write Kwéyòl in their own way, relying on the English alphabet.
Using the Orthography
In recent years, with the advent of social media, there is evidence of greater use of written Kwéyòl, for example, in messaging and chat applications. There is also a more significant presence and visibility of Kwéyòl on signage, posters, billboards, banners, brochures, product labels, and other promotion or identification material. Kwéyòl texts are seen on buses (bus identification), other private vehicles, and in public spaces as graffiti. Occasionally one would find articles, special features, and even front page headlines in various newspapers in Kweyol. There is also an increased presence of Kwéyòl hymns in religious service pamphlets and handouts.
The music industry, too, is driving the use of written Kwéyòl. This is seen in CD album covers, liner notes, music videos especially lyric videos, print, and other music/artiste promotional material. In the broader entertainment industry, there is greater use of Kwéyòl for naming and branding music and entertainment events and festivals. All these examples highlight diverse situations and practical reasons for using Kwéyòl texts. This also reflects a new awareness and a more positive attitude to Kwéyòl among the population. At the same time, there is often no adherence to the standard orthography hence the need to promote the standard orthography.