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Guadeloupe is under the jurisprudence of France and is endowed with a diverse cultural history. French is the official language of Guadeloupe; it is spoken with a musical lilt, unique to the island. However Creole is the more commonly used tongue on Guadeloupe. This indigenous language is a clear indication of the islanders’ historical ties to Africa and other sources of immigration. |
A minority group speaks Spanish and English as well.
English is typically spoken only in the larger hotels and tourist areas. Attempts to speak le français are usually appreciated on all the French islands and mini-phrase books or dictionaries may prove invaluable. Bookstores often carry simple cassette learning tapes that can assist in the proper pronunciation of a few basic phrases. Don't forget that a smile is the easiest and most universal form of communication.
The history of the French West Indies has produced a people that today celebrate the diversity of their origins even as they strive for a collective identity that they term "Guadeloupan". This is individualistic trait is apparent in the unique local cuisine that is an eclectic combination of the East and the West, of French sauces, curry spices and fresh seafood.
The people of Guadeloupe are a testament to Guadeloupe's history. Since Columbus's landing in 1492 the island has seen waves of English, Spanish, and French Colonial settlers from Europe as well as the importation of slaves from Africa and indentured labourers from the Indian subcontinent.
Traditions imported from these continents have blended over the centuries and consequently, today, the hallmarks of Carnival which is a typical the French celebration, are Indian madras costumes and African musical rhythms.
The population of Guadeloupe consists of 90% blacks or mulattoes, 5% whites, East Indians, Lebanese, and less than 5% Chinese.
Indians from the West Indies are not to be confused with the Caribbean Indians, in spite of the physical resemblances. They are a few tens of thousands in Guadeloupe, mainly in Grande Terre, in the area of Le Moule and Saint-François. In spite of the creolization of their way of life, Indians have succeeded in preserving many elements of their cultural legacy.
The cultural exchange between the populations produces diversity. The colombo of tamil origin, for example, became the national dish of Guadeloupe, whereas the Creole language and Catholicism was adopted by many Hindu families. The Hindu temples are easy to find in the countryside by the presence of tricolour masts. The most significant and spectacular temple is the one of Chanzy close to Capesterre, its architecture is purely Indian.
