Imagine being stranded on an island, and the locals cannot speak English.
You don’t have to worry because 18 Caribbean territories have English as their official language.
However, most of these inhabitants can be considered more as speaking English creoles rather than the local varieties of Standard English.
One of the most common challenges encountered by travelers is the language barrier.
Language barriers make it difficult to communicate and connect with the locals, haggle prices in the market and even ask for directions.
This causes many travelers to hesitate and even change their minds while planning trips to certain places.
Do any Caribbean islands speak English?
Yes, Islands of Belize, Malta, Islands of Malaysia, and Barbados are English-speaking Caribbean.
The Caribbean has a complex history of languages.
Although there are a lot of beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, it is important to know whether these places accommodate English speakers.
Thankfully, there are a lot of places in the Caribbean that have a good number of English speakers.
Some of these places even have English as an official language.
Regardless, it is still common to encounter many other languages while on the Caribbean islands.
Islands Of Belize
In Central America, Belize is the only English-speaking nation.
The islands in Belize are known as Cayes and are about 450.
You can fish and enjoy the warm ocean in these tiny English-speaking islands.
Among these islands, Ambergris Caye is the biggest and most developed island.
The official language spoken here is English.
Its native language is Kriol and the locals will appreciate any attempts from visitors to learn the language.
In Belize, the currency used is the Belize dollar which is locked at $2 Belize to US$1.
Regardless, you can still make use of the two currencies here.
Spending large notes can be challenging at times.
As such, a minimum spend is enforced if you want to use a note higher than the value of $20.
Malta
Located in the Central Mediterranean at the south of Italy, Malta is an English-speaking island, which is famous for its very rich history.
It is a popular holiday destination in Europe.
There are two official languages in Malta.
These are:
- English language and
- Maltese
All the locals in Malta speak Maltese, and about 90% of their population is fluent in English.
Business transactions and official documents make use of English.
However, the English spoken here has an Italian accent due to the closeness of Malta to Italy.
You’ll find that many people here also speak Italian as well as English and Maltese.
The currency used in Malta is the Euro.
In Malta, plenty of accommodation is available so you won’t have any trouble finding one.
The Expat areas are more expensive options, so check around for the best value.
Since the people of Malta speak English, you won’t have any difficulty making new friends!
Islands of Malaysia
Malaysia is not an official English-speaking island.
However, the language is widely spoken here.
The official language in Malaysia is Mangkusj and it blends vocabulary from different languages.
For example, “Wei Macha, you want madam here or tapau?” can be translated to “Do you want to eat here or take out?” This is a combination of Tamil, English, Malay, and Chinese.
The currency used in Malaysia is the ringgit, but everyone calls it the dollar.
You can make use of the U.S dollar to buy things in shopping centers but will need the ringgit in other places.
Barbados
The island of Barbados is very common among tourists all over the world.
It is characterized by its quintessential blue seas and white sands.
Barbados was once a British colony but gained her independence in 1966.
However, she has still retained her commonwealth status.
Barbados has been an English-speaking island for many years.
Since 1639, the island has had uninterrupted parliamentary governance and is one of the oldest parliaments in the world.
The currency used in Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar or Bajan Dollar.
It is fixed at $2 Barbadian to US$1.
With its warm sun that lasts all year long, Barbados has an average family high of 30°C.
Thanks to the sea breeze, the temperature and humidity are tolerable.
Moreso, you can engage in activities such as sailing and windsurfing.
Barbados has pure drinking water and is the most developed island in the Caribbean.
However, this also makes it the most expensive and densely populated Caribbean destination.
Islands of Fiji
The Islands of Fiji were born as a result of the volcanic activity in the South Pacific.
In 1874, the islands of Fiji became a British colony and gained independence in 1970.
In 1987, Fiji became a republic after a military coup and gained a democratic government in 2014.
The currency used in Fiji is the Fiji dollar, but the U.S.
dollar is generally accepted.
The official language in Fiji is English, but the native language spoken by the locals is known as Fijian.
333 islands make up the islands of Fiji.
These islands feature mountains, beaches, jungles and grassland for rugby pitches.
The number of people who play professional rugby in Fiji is greater than in anywhere else.
The country comes to a standstill if Fiji participates in any international games or a 7s.
Generally, this is the perfect destination for diving, kitesurfing and surfing.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign state and a commonwealth country in the Western Hemisphere, with Queen Elizabeth II as the former head of state.
Saint Kitts and Nevis was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was the first island in the West Indies where Europeans settled.
The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, although the U.S.
dollar is still widely accepted.
Like other countries on this list, you’ll get better value for your money when you use the local currency.
The island here boasts white sand beaches and mountain slopes covered in forests with streams running down them.
There are also black volcanic beaches as well.
FAQs
Which Caribbean islands speak English?
18 Caribbean territories like Barbados, the Islands of Malaysia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Islands of Fiji, and Malta speak English.
Which Caribbean island speaks the best English?
Barbados has been an English-speaking island for centuries.
Do most Caribbean islands speak English?
Yes, English is also the unofficial “language of tourism” in the Caribbean region.
