CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF KRIOL IN THE ARCHIPELAGO OF SAN ANDRES, PROVIDENCE, AND SAINT KATHLEENA, COLOMBIA

The state of vitality of Kriol in San Andres, Providence and Saint Kathleen has been a subject of profound discussion. Although amongst the Raizal ethnic community of the islands it is vital, and it has been raised as an identity symbol by a large part of its speakers, studies indicate there is a trend of language shift towards Spanish, the dominant language of domains such as administration and trade. This article seeks to complement this discussion by presenting related academic reflections, research efforts and work with the community that its authors have held from three fundamental fields of action: linguistic education, sociolinguistics, and linguistic documentation. It is concluded that, although State support in terms of linguistic policies has been insufficient, members of the community themselves have led and participated in actions geared towards keeping their language alive, obtaining meaningful advances, even if the road to tread is still a long one.

Automated summary

The vitality of Kriol in San Andres, Providence and Saint Kathleen has been discussed, with a trend towards language shift to Spanish noted. Despite insufficient State support, community members have taken actions to keep their language alive.