Dutch in the Caribbean

Op Curaçao, Curaçaoënaar, Arubaans

• The Koninkrijk der Nederlanden consists of four countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Since 10 October 2010, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba have been openbare lichamen of the Netherlands (often called “special municipalities”), together known as Caribisch Nederland.
• Islands normally take op: op Curaçao, op Aruba, op Bonaire, op Saba, just like op Texel. You will sometimes see in Aruba when the country rather than the island is meant.
• Inhabitants and adjectives: Curaçao → Curaçaoënaar, Curaçaos (note the trema), Aruba → Arubaan, Arubaans, Bonaire → Bonairiaan, Bonairiaans, and Antilliaan, Antilliaans for the former Netherlands Antilles.
• Papiaments (Papiamento on Aruba, Papiamentu on Curaçao and Bonaire) is the most widely spoken language on the ABC islands; it is an official language alongside Dutch on Aruba and Curaçao, and a recognised language on Bonaire. On Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius, English dominates; Spanish is also widely spoken in the region.
• Papiamento has given Dutch the word dushi (sweet, lovely, darling); greetings like bon dia (good morning) and ayo (bye) are also widely known.