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Languages in Barbados
Barbados is a place well-known for its growing tourism industry that attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year from around the world. Therefore, it will be of no surprise to mention that the official language in Barbados is English- a universal language that most tourists find easier to communicate in.
National Language of Barbados
Barbados have had a long British heritage and have followed the British Educational system; therefore, British English is used as the language in Barbados. It is also considered under the British monarch as hereditary head of state. As the official languages in Barbados, English is used as a spoken and written language in formal communications, administration and public services all over the island. 40% of the tourists come from the UK, with the US and Canada making up the second largest visitor population in Barbados.
Other Languages in Barbados
However, in informal settings and everyday-life, another local dialect is common which is referred to as the Bajan Creole dialect. This language in Barbados is influenced by British English and various West African languages. Bajan language sounds markedly different from the Standard English language, and an English speaker can easily spot the difference due to the use of creolised vocabulary and idioms in it. As a lot of tourists populate the cities of Barbados, they leave their impact on the languages in Barbados as well, and many of the Barbadians are increasingly learning and speaking more than one language. Two foreign languages, French and Spanish have also been taught in schools as an extra language in Barbados.