Born in the first half of the 17th century, the Creole language is a mosaic of an aextraordinary richness. Native American legacies were supplemented by the dialects of French colonists, Blacks from West Africa, and later "Coolies" from India and China.Creole proverbs, contrary to popular belief, are not words of the past, "pawol an tan lontan" (words of the past) as they say in Martinique. The proverb is 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 morality.

Chyen pa lé bannann, i pa lé poul pran’y

The dog doesn't want bananas, but he does not want the chickens eat them.
Morality : Said of a person who does not want something but refuses someone else has it.

Dan épi lang ka faché

The teeth and tongue are angry.
Morality : Even people close, may have differences of opinion.

Dan ri kò, zié pléré misè

The teeth mocked the body, the eyes have cried misery.
Morality : A person who mock of others must wait a day to receive the ridicule of others.

Dé lajan pa ka goumen

Two money do not fight.
Morality : Abundance of goods does no harm.

Dé lè sé adan an bwèt zôdi ou ka trouvé an pyé lanbi

Il arrive parfois que nous trouvons la conque à la poubelle.
Morality : When we are in bad situation, something good can come out.

Dé mal krab pé pa viv adan mèm trou

Two male crabs can not live in the same hole.
Morality : Two strong characters can not coexist in the same environment.

Débouya pa péché

Hustlers do not sin.
Morality : People making use of ruse can not be considered faulty.

Démen sé an kouyon

"Tomorrow" is a fool.
Morality : You have to know to enjoy the moment, tomorrow is uncertain.

Dépi ou brilé bwa, fo fè chabon

Once you have burned wood, it must make charcoal.
Morality : When the wine is drawn, it must be drunk.

Dèyè chyen sé chyen, douvan chyen sé misyé chyen

Behind the dog is "Dog" before the dog it is "Mr. Dog."
Morality : People often act in a hypocritical manner.