Papiamento celebrates 23 years as an official language in Aruba. The Lanta Papiamento Foundation (FLP) congratulates the people of Aruba on this great and important achievement. It is a day to celebrate because our language, Papiamento—which was oppressed and even banned by the colonial political power for nearly 400 years—now has an official status regulated by law.
However, it is also important to reflect on these 23 years and ask ourselves if the status of Papiamento as an official language is truly respected everywhere and by everyone in Aruba and within the Dutch Kingdom. The FLP notices that we still have to fight for our language, Papiamento, to receive full recognition.
It is true that this law made it possible for certain decisions to be made, especially in education. For example, we can mention the following:
In 2004, Papiamento became a compulsory subject in MAVO, HAVO, and VWO, and since 2015, students can choose it as an exam subject.
In 2014, Papiamento entered schools as a language of instruction through the Multilingual School Project; unfortunately, this school model was not continued.
In September 2024, literacy development—learning to read and write—in Papiamento began in the majority of primary schools.
Nevertheless, we notice that these steps are very fragmented and limited. In reality, they do not follow local and international scientific reports, nor the policy documents of the Department of Education that demand an education system truly designed for our people, our children. What is the root problem?
The primary goal of our education system remains: learning Dutch. Meanwhile, the right of our people to receive education in their own language is neglected. It is sad to note that since Aruba obtained its Status Aparte, we can no longer blame the Netherlands; it is we ourselves who maintain and encourage an extremely discriminatory education system for our children. Are we aware of the fact that Aruba is actually permitting a crime against human rights and children’s rights in this way?
In the community, we see a great ambivalence. On one hand, there is a love for Papiamento, which stands out in music lyrics and literature, among other things. On the other hand, it can be noted that the use of Papiamento in the press and commerce is very poor or highly limited. In many cases, English is used where Papiamento could easily have been used, considering the message is directed at the public. It is remarkable that errors made in the press often catch on and become common and ordinary. And what do we think about the influence of social media on our people, both adults and children, to use English more and more?
Dutch could not push Papiamento aside. Are we going to allow English to do so?
Celebration on May 27: Papiamento in the Courtyard (Papiamento den Hofi)
The FLP is happy that different organizations decided to pay attention to Papiamento on May 21 this year. For that reason, the FLP’s celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 27.
The program is varied and consists of videos about Papiamento followed by discussions, lectures, poetry, storytelling, book sales, dance, music, and some games. There will be an open microphone for those who want to present a poem or a short story. For this, one must register upon arrival or in advance via phone/WhatsApp at 5674699. Keep in mind that slots are naturally limited.
This event, Papiamento den Hofi, will take place in the hall and courtyard of Arubiana (the department of the National Library of Aruba, BNA) at Bachstraat 5, on May 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
The Lanta Papiamento Foundation invites the people of Aruba of all ages to this event. Come show your love for Papiamento and your concern for the existence of our language. Entrance is free!
Papiamento, our language, our right!