Language

English is the official language used in Trinidad and Tobago. However, the many nationalities that combine to make our country what it is today have also had significant influence on the evolution of our dialect. Remnants of French, Spanish, Hindi, African and Amerindian are all part of our sweet tongue. Historical membership in the British Empire left a major influence on the country, including the dominance of the English language and the popularity of the two top sports in the country, football and cricket.

Some words common in dialect include:

• Bacchanal: scandalous, rowdy event
• Fete: party
• Lime: a get-together of friends/to hang out with friends
• Mas: Carnival
• Trinbago: [combination/abbreviated version of] Trinidad & Tobago
• Wine: sexy dancing involving movement of waist and hips

Spanish and French are taught at many of the nation's schools. There are also institutes in Trinidad which offer opportunities to study Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese and German. Translation and interpretation services in German, Spanish and French are available. For information on these services, persons may contact:
The School of Languages
National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST)
NIHERST website: http://www.niherst.gov.tt/
or the relevant foreign missions.