The Anguillian Dialect and Accent
The other day I was by Ken getting some Barbeque and garlic bread and I turned to a visitor and said “Can you pass me a sack please?” She looked at me blankly and then her eyes followed the direction I was pointing. I hastily corrected myself “a bag please.” We both laughed as she handed over the plastic bag.
Many Anguillians abroad probably have a lot of funny stories where we have used our dialect or local phrases during a conversation and were met with blank stares. Perhaps you were just having a conversation with another Anguillian and someone asked if you were speaking English. This is a true story! I know I had plenty of interesting experiences while I lived and studied in Canada and England!
As my family and I prepare to leave Anguilla, one of the things I will certainly miss is hearing our lyrical accent and dialect everywhere. Our dialect and accent are so colorful and bright that they sound like sunlight to my ears. Xavi just turned three so he will pick up the British accent. ‘Aya Lawd’ and ‘Aya looka wuk’ will no doubt be a part of his vocabulary too! Anguillians use these terms all the time to express emotions ranging from surprise, happiness to shock. Laughter is bubbling up now as I picture Xavi’s intermingled accents and expressions.
Good news
Technology has indeed made the world tiny and I am super grateful for that. The sounds of Anguilla are only a click away through live radio streams and live viewings on social media. I can go wherever my friends and family are through Live streaming and video too. So even though we will be far away, a daily dose of the sounds of Anguilla is just a click away.
Chatting in dialect while fishing for Eva’s birthday a few years ago – It was epic 🙂 🙂
Stay in Touch
Follow me on this blog (or perhaps a new blog/vlog coming soon) and on my personal Facebook page and Instagram page @shelleciabjohnson as this ‘sun-loving’ Anguillian girl transitions and builds a new (temporary) life in England :).
No worries!
We will also continue to post beautiful pictures of Anguilla on our My Anguilla Experience Instagram and Facebook pages as team members are still on island :).
Comment below:
What is your favourite Anguillian expression? Which Anguillian expression sounds most like sunlight to you?
Xoxo
Shelly
Best of luck in England – cheers to an exciting new chapter!
Thank you so much Shannon! Wishing you all the best on your plans and goals for 2018 too!
Hi Shellie!
My favorite is “Ya want worse?”
Really enjoyed your post . Will try to follow you on Instagram and Twitter I believe you said. Can’t wait for your blog.
Truly, Joycelyn Gumbs Alsup
ha ha ha ‘Ya want worse’ is a great one!I don’t tweet much but I do plan to get back to it. I am definitely on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for commenting and for your support. It always helps to feel connected to my readers. New blogs on food, beach bars and sunsets coming soon!