Versatility Within Dutch-Speaking Caribbean Countries

 

The Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries display versatility throughout the islands’ landscapes, environments, cultures, and the aspects of the islands’ makeup.

Versatility can be seen between the Dutch Windward Islands aka the SSS Islands and the Dutch Leeward Islands aka the ABC Islands. Firstly, versatility can be seen through the various languages that are spoken throughout the different islands. Although they are all official Dutch speaking, the SSS Islands has English as the predominant language of the islands according to Tour De Force: A Musical Journey of The Caribbean. Along with this, according to De Force: A Musical Journey of The Caribbean the ABC Islands has Spanish as the predominant language of the islands. These facts show the diversity of all the islands. Not many countries are like this, and this shows that because of the languages there is versatility.

Image taken from: https://www.global-travel.co.uk/dc-info.htm

Above is a map showing where the SSS and ABC Islands are located. The locations of the islands and their layout show versatility. The differences between the two types of Dutch-speaking According to the Tour De Force: A Musical Journey of The Caribbean, the SSS Islands are Northern of the Lesser Antilles, and the ABC Islands are more Southern. This can also be seen on the map above. Looking at the map, the ABC Islands are outside of the hurricane zone unlike the SSS Islands.

Video taken from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmv_8j_UnTs

Above is a video explaining a few differences of windward and leeward sides of a mountain. Although this video is not about islands, the differences are still like what is seen in the islands. The weather, climate and overall island landscape of the islands are different. The SSS Islands experience wet climate, have mountainous terrain and volcanic soil which is suitable for vegetation and agriculture. On the other hand, the ABC Islands experience arid climate (dry) which causes limited access to fresh water, have islands that are limestone flats raised up out of the ocean which is more than likely a result of volcanic activity in the region, and arid, poor soil which is unsuitable for vegetation and agriculture. The differences between the islands’, the weather, climate, and overall island landscape cause there to be versatility within the islands. While SSS Islands there was successful agriculture, the ABC Islands were not so lucky. This made them adapt and cultivate plants that are drought resistant as well as keep livestock. The differences of the islands caused them to be versatile in their way of going about certain things.

Video taken from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSIX4BQHNEw

Above is a video displaying natives doing the Ponum Dance in Sint Maarten.  Ponum is sometimes called Panam. This is a traditional folk dance that originated during the time of slavery. This makes it about 165 – 200 years old.  It came about because of spontaneous celebrations of newly freed slaved. This dance is rhythmic and energetic because of the happy occasion it resulted from. This dance was normally done around a Poinciana tree that was called the flamboyant by the locals of this country. In modern times, the dance was modified and recreated with the help of research and interviews of surviving participants.  This dance is sometimes done to Brim song and is seen as a way to connect with the history of the past by locals.

Image from: http://blog.abc-villa.rentals/dande-festival-aruba/

Above is a picture of locals of Aruba playing music and enjoy the Dande festival. Dande is a festival of Aruba that is described as a New Year’s Eve version of caroling. Like the ponum dance, the Dande festival started around the time of emancipation. Musical groups go to homes and bring festive spirits and wishes for prosperity. Traditional music is normally played during this festival. Like the ponum dance, the dande festival was modernized. In order to keep future generations involved and assure this tradition stays alive, children are invited to participate and perform during festivities.

Both of these traditions bring people together to celebrate the emancipation of their ancestors as well as to bring encouragement to natives. They do this in very different ways which shows versatility. They do it through dancing which is a form of art and by going door to door and bringing the festivities to homes. Overall, versatility can be seen throughout many aspects of Dutch culture and the qualities that make the countries unique.

References:

Aruba's traditional Dande festival. (2017, July 5). ABC Villa Rentals Blog. https://blog.abc-villa.rentals/dande-festival-aruba/

Gangelhoff, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean.

Melting pot. (n.d.). Destination City Guides By In Your Pocket. https://www.inyourpocket.com/Sint-Maarten/Ponum-dance_73296f