Language: Your First Cultural Bridge

Language choices communicate respect or disregard:

French Isn't Enough

While French enables basic communication, effort toward Creole shows respect: - Learn basic greetings in local Creole - Understand you're in multilingual space - Don't correct anyone's French - Appreciate code-switching as skill - Purchase Creole learning materials locally

Basic Creole Phrases for Respect

Guadeloupe: - Bonjou (Good morning - before noon) - Bonswa (Good afternoon/evening) - Sa ka maché? (How are you?) - Mèsi (Thank you) - Eskizé mwen (Excuse me) - Mi plési (Nice to meet you)

Martinique: - Bonjou (Good morning) - Bonswa (Good afternoon/evening) - Sa ou fè? (How are you?) - Mèsi (Thank you) - Padon (Excuse me) - Kontan konnet-w (Nice to meet you)

Pronunciation tip: Roll your R's less than in French, pronounce vowels clearly

"When visitors attempt Creole, even badly, hearts open," notes vendor Lucette Bellonie. "It shows you see us, not just French extensions."