ABSTRACT!
Discrimination through language in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Although the language Creole, Haitian Creole or sometimes called French Creole was a key element that led the Revolution that helped abolish slavery in Haiti, a French colony a the time, the language has never been a subject of study, or the center of historical studies. It was widely spoken during the colonial era and still spoken by most Haitians. Creole is the demotic of Haiti, thus it is essential for a comprehensive understanding of Haiti’s history, culture, and folk wisdoms. However, Creole has been officially recognized as the official language of the country only about twenty years ago. That being said, one must understand that there has not been a systematic use of Creole in schools in Haiti for many years. To understand Creole’s status today, I offer to go back into time to trace the educational system of Haiti. Consulting authors like Micheal J. Dalsh, and Arthur K. spears, Michel Degraff among others, I propose to collect some interesting facts about the contradictions and ironies that surround the use of this language in Haiti.
Stephanie