Point and talk?
Do you hesitate to speak Creole because of shyness or nervousness?
Sometimes we need conversation helpers to continue progressing. The following sentences may not contain high frequency words but they will help you use high frequency words.
Visual aid:
First, take a picture dictionary with words, a children’s picture book with words, etc., and talk about the pictures. The pictures help you stay focused on a topic and act as a memory aid.
Second, describe what you hear, feel, taste, touch, and see as if you were walking down the street.
Next, go to a park, college, hospital waiting room, bank, library, etc. – anywhere where people are not rushed, appear relaxed and have time to talk. Generally, Haitians are willing to help foreigners learn Creole.
What to say:
“M ap aprann pale Kreyòl. Èske w gen yon ti tan pou ou ede m tanpri?”
Point to a picture and say:
- “Ki jan w di sa an kreyòl?”
- “Ki sa moun sa yo ap fè?”
- “Ki koulè sa a ye?”
Go into a store. Look for bored salespeople etc.:
- “M ap chèche [yon] __________”
- “M pa ka jwenn [yon] __________”
- “Konbyen l ye?”
- “Èske w ka ede m souple?”
If they’re friendly:
- “Èske w renmen travay ou? Poukisa?”
- “Ki egzèsis ou fè?”
- “Ki sa w fè kòm detant?”
- “Ki sa w renmen fè apre w fin travay?
- “Ki sa w konn fè chak wikenn?”
With these practical tools and engaging methods, you’re well on your way to confidently speaking Haitian Creole in everyday situations. Continue to point and talk!
More practice?
See lesson “Adriyèn” Listening Practice to continue practicing.