Language and society in the Caribbean

This research examines how colonial history shapes language use in the Surinamese diaspora. As a result of migration, Surinamese people have established vibrant communities in various parts of the world, such as in the Netherlands, Curaçao and the United States. Within these diasporic spaces, language becomes a dynamic site where colonial legacies, cultural identity, and social belonging intersect.

By analyzing linguistic choices, everyday conversations and identity expressions, this study explores how historical power structures influence language use. It sheds light on how Surinamese people in the diaspora navigate multiple linguistic influences, including Sranantongo, Dutch, Papiamentu, English and various creole languages, that reflect both past and present experiences.

These languages influence each other in ways by which the boundaries between languages become less clear. Furthermore, while language hierarchies remain intact in many contexts, the internet and digital communication create new dynamics where language use becomes more fluid and where people create new forms of expression.  

With focusing on language as a crucial medium through which historical legacies are preserved, negotiated and transformed in diasporic contexts, this project contributes to broader discussions on postcolonial identities, heritage, and social mobility.