Dialects In Guyana

In daily life, the majority of Guyanese speak the Creole dialect referred to as "Creoleze." This language has English as its foundation, but many of its terms and ideas come from the languages of the several ethnic communities that live in the area. And since most terms still sound somewhat like English, this confuses visitors who are unfamiliar with the language.

While many Asian residents of the coastal strip speak Cantonese, a dialect of Chinese, as well as Hindi or Urdu, which are frequently the dominant languages in different religious ceremonies and in daily communication, much Guyanese living in the country's interior still speak the languages of their native ethnic groups. The majority of Guyanese, however, have no trouble speaking "literary English," therefore they frequently attempt to explain to the visitor any challenges they may have in understanding local terms.

Some Indo-Guyanese continue to speak and learn Guyanese Hindustani for cultural and religious reasons. While standard Hindi is used in religious services, writing, and passively through the consumption of Hindi cinema exports from India, Guyanese Bhojpuri may be spoken by elder generations, in traditional music, or in a restricted capacity at home. A small portion of the population also speaks a handful of Amerindian languages. These include Arawakan languages like Arawak (or Lokono) and Wapishana as well as Cariban languages like Macushi, Akawaio, and Wai-Wai.