Languages
The people of Guyana speak a wide variety of languages and dialects, based on a number of factors. Race and ethnicity, geographic location, and heritage can all play a large part in the languages a Guyanese citizen can speak.
English
English is the national language of Guyana. Guyana is the only South American country with English as the official language. However, many speak Guyanese Creole, a blend of English with Dutch, French, West African, Arawakan, Caribbean and Indian influences. Guyanese Creole is the first or second language of a majority of Guyanese citizens, but has no official status within the country.
Aili Gaili
With roots in Bhojpuri and influences from Awadhi, Sranan, Dutch, and English, Aili Gaili--also known as Caribbean Hindustani—is spoken in a large portion of the Caribbean region as well as in Guyana. Worldwide, there are over 160,000 speakers of Aili Gaili. To listen to some examples of this language, click here.
Disclaimer:the content of this link is religious in nature.
Arawak
Arawak, also known as Lokono, is an Arwakan language of South America. It is spoken by roughly 2500 people across Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, and Venezuela, and was once spoken on Caribbean islands as well. It is one of the different languages spoken in Guyana that is American Indian in origin. To read more about this language and the Arawak Indian culture and heritage, click here.
This is not even close to the full range of languages and dialects spoken across Guyana. For a full list of languages and dialects spoken in Guyana, follow the links below!