Sranan

Sranan Tongo, commonly called Sranan or Sranang Tongo, is an English-based creole language spoken in Suriname and by Surinamese communities abroad. It is the most widely used language in everyday life in urban areas of Suriname, while Dutch remains the official language. Sranan Tongo plays a central role in entertainment, media, and informal communication across ethnic groups.

Origins and classification: Sranan Tongo emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in the Dutch colony of Suriname as a lingua franca among enslaved Africans, Indigenous peoples, and European colonists. Its vocabulary is predominantly English-based, reflecting historical trade and labor patterns, while its phonology and grammar show influences from West African languages and, to a lesser extent, Dutch. It belongs to the Atlantic creole family of languages.

Linguistic characteristics: The language has its own grammar and syntax that are distinct from English and Dutch. It features a simplified inflection system, particle-based aspect and mood markers, and various tense and negation constructions. It is written using the Latin alphabet, and there are several orthographic conventions; ongoing efforts aim to standardize spelling for education and publishing.

Usage and status: Sranan Tongo is the most widely spoken language in Suriname’s urban centers and is widely used in music, radio, theater, and daily interaction across ethnic groups. There are dictionaries, grammars, and literary works, and the language is used in cultural programs and informal education. It coexists with many other languages in Suriname, including Sarnami Hindustani, Javanese, and Dutch.