Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine April 2017 | Page 512

Language
The official language of the Turks and Caicos Islands
is English. However, an English-based dialect, often
referred to as “broken English”, is spoken among
several groups. Due to the large Haitian and Spanish
population, French Creole and Spanish are invaluably
spoken by a cross-section of our population.
Notwithstanding, to a discriminating ear, one may
hear various nuances and inflections that identify
island groupings.
Religion
Photo Credit: Ludwina Fulford
Home and Family Life
Traditionally, it was expected that the men took
the leading role in the home, establishing the
rules and values that govern the family. They were
the primary bread winners and proudly and ably
shouldered that responsibility. However, with
economic and social empowerment, the male
dominant has been somewhat relaxed and the
female influence in the home has become stronger,
not only in procreation, but also in directing and
financial stability.
Pastimes for children meant field and ring games,
kite-flying, fishing, swimming, tops, marbles,
picking cherries and grapes from the bush and
making pear wine. The weekly purging of the body
with local medicine prevented many illnesses.
Songs were made up to celebrate ordinary people
and special events. Girls were preoccupied with
sewing, crocheting, embroidery, knitting and
tatting. In more recent years, these traditional
activities have, for the most part, given way to
watching television, video games and social media
activities
The country boasts of being a Christian nation. The
traditional religious groups of yesteryear, Anglican,
Baptist, Church of God and Methodist have had to
share their congregation with many of the “New
denominations”. There is tolerance of, and appreciation
for, the newness that has been infused into the
worship experience. It has been said that in the TCI
there are over 15 religious denominations.
St. Thomas Anglican Church
Grand Turk Methodist Church