Language in St. Lucia

Language

English is the official language of St. Lucia and is spoken everywhere, but you can often hear local people speaking a French-Creole patois (Kwéyòl) among themselves. If you're interested in learning some patois words and phrases, pick up a copy of A Visitor's Guide to St. Lucia Patois, a small paperback book sold in local bookstores for $4.

As in many Caribbean islands, to "lime" is to hang out and a "jump-up" is a big party with lots of dance music (often in the street, as in the village of Gros Islet every Friday night). North American women, especially, will find it charming to be called "milady." And don't be surprised when people in St. Lucia call you "darling" instead of "ma'am" or "sir" -- they're being friendly, not forward.