• Two men hugging

    Martinique Creole proverbs

Born in the first half of the 17th century, the Creole language is a vibrant mosaic. The Amerindian heritage was supplemented by the dialects of French colonists, West Africans, and later Coolies from India and China. Contrary to popular belief, Creole proverbs are not words from the past, or “pawol an tan lontan” (words from the past) as they say in Martinique. Proverbs are immortal, eternal, and indispensable. As they say in Martinique: “Pa konnet mové” (It is bad not to know). Click on the title to read the moral.



Mom: sure! Dad: Maybe!
We are certain of the identity of his mother, but never that of his father!

Overthrow the bus.
Truant.

Getting married is good, getting married is not good.
Marriage is not better than celibacy.

Getting married has teeth.
Marriage can have bad side.

Getting married is not moving his chair near the table.
Marriage is not only a commitment about fun. It also brings a lot of responsibilities.

Even if your nose is rotten, you do not tear off.
It is not easy to blame a family member.

Kneel is nothing, the most important thing is prayer.
The beautiful demonstrations are not enough, only sincerity is important.

The sheep likes keeping his leaned neck.
Beware of those who display great humility.

Sheep always leave their necks to everyone.
Some short-sighted persons give the stick to get beat, like sheep who offers his neck to be killed.

I have not eaten turkey, I do not have to pay the sauce.
It does not have to pay for the mistakes of others.