What is the native language spoken in Curaçao?

The native language of Curaçaoans is Papiamentu: a Creole language containing elements of Portuguese, Spanish, African languages, Dutch, French, English, and Arawak languages. The official languages in Curaçao are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English, but of those Papiamentu is used the most in local TV shows, in parliament, and on the street.

Historians believe that Papiamentu — derived from the Portuguese “papear” (to speak or converse) — originated in the 17th century as a means of communication between slaves, who hailed from various African regions, and their Portuguese masters. Unlike other Creole languages, Papiamentu is spoken through all levels of society and has become a major characteristic of the island’s identity.