In Surinam there are more then twenty different languages, next to Dutch the main language there is:

  • Sranan Tongo a mix of Spanish, English, Dutch and serveral other languases.
  • Sarnami Hindoestani(Suriname Hindi)
  • Several Maron languages like Samaracaan and Aukaans
  • Chines (Hakka, Mandarijn and Kantonees)

Most of the Surinamese people speak multiple languages next to Dutch most of them also speak  Sranan Tongo.

Dutch

The official language of Surinam is Dutch almost every one speaks it. In 2005 Surinam became a member of the Dutch language union and more then 500 words out of the Surinamese Dutch language where included in the latest version of the official Dutch green book fore Dutch language, Dutch is also the official writing language.

 Some Sranan Tongo words and expressions:

 

Counting     Greetings  
1 wan   How are you fa yu tan
2 tu     Fawaka
3 dri     Ofa
4 fo      
5 feyfi   Going well a é go
6 siksi     mi de
7 seybi     bun
8 ayti      
9 neygi   Everithing alright ala sany bun
10 tin   Say hello Batr odi tak odi
11 ti na wan   Give me a hug Gi me wan brasa
20 tutenti   Good morning Gu morgu
30 dritenti   Good night Gu neti
40 fotenti   See you Moi syi
50 feifitenti   I’ m going Mo gwe
60 siksitenti   Everything is alright Tan bun
70 sebitenti      
80 aititenti   Morning Mamanten
90 neigitenti   Mid day Brekten
100 wan hondro   Afternoon Bakandina
300 dri hondro   Evening Neti
1000 one duzun   Tomorow Tamara
      Wat’s the time O lati
         
      Rain season Alenten
      Dry season Drei ten