Haitian Creole

The most important creole language of the world, Haitian Creole is spoken nationwide in Haiti, that is, by its entire population of over 11 million people, and by about 2 million people in the Haitian-American Diaspora in the United States. Haitian Creole (Generally called Kreyól by Haititans) is one of the two official languages of Haiti and is closely related to other French-based Creole languages of the area--those spoken in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, St. Lucia, as well as in French Guyana and Louisiana. Haitian Creole is also an essential means of communication at all levels for professionals in the fields of education, health, and social services. The various Haitian Creole courses at FIU explore different aspects of Haitian culture through Haitian movies, music, art, cooking, games, literature, and storytelling. The Haitian Creole language courses aim at acquisition by learners of important communication skills with a focus on the spoken language. Haitian Creole continues to grow in popularity, as evidenced by the Anthem Awards giving the Haitian Creole Duolingo Course a Silver Recognition Award. This course was developed in part by FIU Faculty Professor Nicolas André, among other collaborators. 

 

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(The above painting is called Crossroads and the Department of Modern Languages has obtained permission from its creator to use it on this website)

 

What do we offer?

The Haitian Creole Program in the Department of Modern Languages, also includes the Undergraduate Certificate in Haitian Studies and the Haitian Summer Institute (HSI), both hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC). HSI is held during the Summer B term, followed by a study abroad program (two-week stay in Haiti). More information about HSI and the Haitian Studies Certificate can be found on the LACC page.

  • Course Offerings

    HAI 1072 - Haitian Creole for Medical and Legal Professionals Course designed for healthcare and legal professionals with no previous training in Haitian Creole. Emphasis is put on medical and legal terms in daily conversation related to health, hygiene and law.

    HAI 1130 - Haitian Creole I Course designed for students with no previous training in Haitian Creole. Emphasis on oral Haitian Creole and on acquiring basic language skills.

    HAI 3213 - Accelerated Haitian Creole This course is designed to help students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Haitian Creole at the basic level, with emphasis on oral skills, contemporary language, and culture.

    HAI 3214 - Accelerated Intermediate Haitian Creole The course is built on an accelerated program by continuing and expanding communicative activities and discussion on Haitians social life and culture.

    HAI 3500 - Haiti: Language & Culture This course provides, from a multidisciplinary perspective, a general understanding of the Haitian culture and language.

    HAI 5235 - Haitian Creole Seminar A study of the phonological and morpho-syntactic structures of Haitian Creole. Patterns of language usage and attitude.