Why Many People Think They're the Same
1. Because they are similar. The vast majority of Haitian Creole vocabulary originated from French (over 80 percent). If you know some French, you will likely recognize several French words when you hear someone speaking Haitian Creole.
2. Some Haitians speak French. Some native Haitians speak French fluently. In fact, some may even prefer to read and write in French.
3. Many Haitians are educated in French. While Haitian Creole literature is becoming more common in Haiti, many textbooks and other academic materials are still only available in French. In fact, some renowned schools require students to speak French only.
Because of the factors above, many people wrongly conclude that Creole and French are the same language — so you would be forgiven if you concluded that as well. But, both languages, in spite of their similarities, are fundamentally different. Let's find out more how!
Why They Are NOT the Same
- Despite their strikingly common vocabulary, Haitian Creole and French have different pronunciation, verb usage patterns and origins.
1. Different Pronunciation and Spelling. Haitian Creole is strictly phonetic, with no silent letters. Yes, every letter is pronounced in Haitian Creole. In French, some letters are silent. As such, some may initially experience greater difficulty when learning to pronounce words and phrases in French.
2. Different Verb Usage. In Haitian Creole, verbs stay the same regardless of the person or object you are referring to. French, on the other hand, has more complex verbs that can significally change in spelling and pronunciation depending on who or what you are referring to.
3. Different Origins. French primarily came from latin, gallic and frankish languages in Europe. Haitian Creole, on the other hand, didn't just come from French, but also from west African languages — and to a leser extent — the language of the taino indigenous people who inhabited Hispaniola.
These differences in orgins are a major reason why Haitian Creole and French sound different from each other.
Don't Assume French and Haitian People Understand Each Other
The differences mentioned above are so significant that someone who natively speaks French may not understand someone speaking Haitian Creole. Likewise, someone who natively speaks Haitian Creole may not understand someone speaking French.
This is why Haitians who need language assistance are often provided a Haitian Creole interpreter in professional settings.
The point is this: Haitian Creole and French are indeed similar. But, Haitian Creole is not simplified French nor is it just French spoken with a different accent. It is a distinct language with its own identity.