The University of the West Indies, Mona

The Charter on Language Policy and Language Rights in the Creole-speaking Caribbean was developed based on extensive scientific and linguistic research conducted on Creole languages throughout the Caribbean for over five decades. The International Centre for Caribbean Language Research (I.C.C.L.R.) Working Group deliberated on a Draft Charter during the last three months of 2010.  This Draft was debated at the Conference on Language Rights and Policy which was held in Kingston, Jamaica at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus on January 13-14, 2011. After some modification, it was adopted and signed by all attendees.

The Charter proposes the establishment of a Regional Language Council which will promote the implementation of the Charter in each territory,  as well as providing, through the I.C.C.L.R., research support to each Creole-speaking territory.  Linguists and Creole language activists press for the recognition of the rights of  Creole language speakers throughout the Caribbean through the implementation of the Charter by governments and other public bodies.

The Caribbean Charter on Language Policy and Language Rights in the Creole-speaking Caribbean affirms that speakers of Creole languages have the right to use their language in education, government, the courts, media, and public life without discrimination. It encourages use of students’ native Creole languages as part of teaching and learning, which helps improve comprehension, literacy, and academic success. It supports the preservation and development of Creole languages, promotes research, writing systems, literature, and official recognition for Creole languages, and encourages bilingualism or multilingualism where Creole and official languages can coexist and complement each other. The Charter aims to ensure that Creole-speaking people are treated with dignity and that their languages are valued as important tools for communication, education, and cultural expression.

Read or download the full Charter below.