Send us a text

Exploring Papiamentu: The Unique Language of Curaçao

In this episode of The Moreish Podcast, Hema and guest Sheedia Jansen delve into the 300-year-old history of Papiamentu, the vibrant lingua franca of Curaçao.

Sheedia, a Freedom Alchemist born and raised in Curaçao, explains how Papiamentu emerged from a blend of influences from West Africa, Portuguese, Dutch, Indigenous Caquetios, and Spanish cultures, and is a result of Caribbean colonization. 

The conversation highlights the evolution of the language, its official recognition in 2007, and its survival in the face of past colonial restrictions. Speaking to the rich cultural tapestry of Curaçao, Sheedia also discusses her own efforts in promoting the language through her online course and the importance of preserving such a unique aspect of her heritage.

Connect with Sheedia:
https://www.heysheedia.com/
Learn Papiamentu with Sheedia
YouTube
Learn Papiamentu YouTube playlist
The Dungeon podcast

Episodes mentioned:
History of Curaçao with Sheedia
Curaçao's Culinary Heritage
Puerto Rican History with Laura Ortiz

Support the show

Join us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to continue the conversation.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/jerk-sauce