• 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.





                                        
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Too bad for the back of the blackbird who took the lead.
Too bad for you.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
The look of the Béké burns that of the Negro.
The Béké dominates the Negro.

This refers to the local society where families of old settlers (the Békés) dominate the local economy.
Negro is use commonly in Martinique and is not a bad word.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
The eyes are crying, runny nose.
The harm done to someone is also felt by his own.