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.

Djab pa ka dòmi

The devil does not sleep.
Morality : Wickedness is always in action.

Epi lajan ou ka fè tout makak dansé

With money, we can do any dancing monkey.
Morality : With money, you can do anything.

Epi pasyans ou ka wè tété a foumi

With patience, you can see the breasts of an ant.
Morality : You have to be patient.

Famn fidel ka maché do piesé

Faithful woman walking with patched clothes in the back.
Morality : Loyalty is often poorly rewarded.

Fanm ka pété bonm pa ka di mari yo sa

Adulteress is not revealed to her husband.
Morality : The woman knows diminish her infidelities.

Fanm mèg ka santi fré

Skinny woman smells fishy.
Morality : Thinness does not suit women.

Fanm san tjenbwa, sé an patjé lonyon san founiti

Woman without spell is boot of onion without garnish.
Morality : Every woman has her charm.

Fanm sé chat, nonm sé zonbi

The woman is a cat, man is a zombie.
Morality : Woman is a secretive, man reveals the night.

Fanm sé chatenn, nonm sé fouyapen

Women are chestnuts, men are breadfruit.
Morality : A woman always finds the strength to get up after a disappointment.

Fanm tonbé pa janmen dézespéré

Fallen woman never despairs.
Morality : The woman is never discouraged.