Exploring the History and Diversity of Caribbean Sign Languages with Kris M. Ali
Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture
04/03/24
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The Caribbean is a region of a myriad of languages, Caribbean sign languages included. In this episode, we’re joined by Caribbean sign language scholar Kris M Ali to discuss the diversity of sign languages, from the shores of Jamaica to the Bay Islands. It's not just about communication; it's a tapestry of identity, history, and resiliency. We uncover the challenges faced by lesser-known sign languages and the potential harm of a one-size-fits-all approach to language policy. Our conversation traverses the cultural significance behind these languages, the vibrant activism of local communities that has sparked change, the battles for legal recognition, and the power these languages hold in fostering rights for the Deaf community. Join us for our first discussion and stay tuned for Part II coming soon. Be sure to check out the transcript of this episode here.
Kris Ali is a PhD candidate in the department of linguistics at University of California Santa Barbara. Her research interests are broadly Caribbean languages, language documentation and description, social and linguistic justice for Caribbean people, decolonial theory, queer and trans linguistics and sign language linguistics. She uses collaborative and community-based research methods, is interested in indigenous research methodologies and follows the Caribbean tradition of liberatory linguistics in which she was trained during her first two degrees at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. She is a trained Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language interpreter. Home for her is Trinidad and Tobago. Learn more about Kris on her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Produced by Breadfruit Media
Previous Episode
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There are stories we typically don't tell during Women's History Month, one of whihc is the narrative of Judith Phillip (1760-1848), an enslaver from Grenada whose family's dominion over Carriacou and Petit Martinique tells a story not just of land and wealth but race and colonial allegiances against the backdrop of the transatlantic slave trade. This episode discusses the intricacies of Caribbean history, weaving the personal story of a mixed-race family into the broader fabric of 18th-century Caribbean society.Join Strictly Facts as we uncover how Judith's French baker father and her mother, an enslaved woman, rose to prominence to own plantations and amass a fortune. We'll explore the societal structures that allowed their family to thrive in an era of oppression and how their legacy challenges our understanding of Caribbean history and power at the time. In this final episode for Women's History Month, we share the tale of inheritance, power, and the complexity of free mixed-race individuals during a time when such narratives are rarely told.
Connect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | WebsiteLooking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!
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Produced by Breadfruit Media
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Join us as we journey through the linguistic heritage of Saint Lucia with Soir Smith, a passionate St. Lucian Kwéyòl advocate, guiding us through the colorful landscape of French-based creole languages that flourish across the Caribbean. These tongues, far from just a derivative of French, are rich embodiments of culture, history, and identity. We unravel these histories woven from the threads of African, European, and Indigenous Caribbean peoples, challenging the notion that Creole is merely "broken French." Together, we celebrate the unique complexities of these languages, reflecting resilience in the face of colonization.
Our exploration deepens as we traverse the grammar and verb usage of St. Lucian Creole, uncovering how it is distinguished from its French roots. We dissect the verb 'to be,' marvel at the absence of silent letters, and ponder the historical weight carried by speaking Creole. Smith shares her journey, weaving personal tales and the profound motivation behind her mission to author a book on St. Lucian Creole. This episode isn't just a discussion; it's an homage to a language that represents freedom and unyielding ancestral bonds throughs linguistic liberation
As a passionate advocate for language and culture, Soir Smith has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Saint Lucian kwéyòl. With a deep love for writing, Smith has recently accomplished a significant milestone by completing her first book, a comprehensive guide to learning the language of Saint Lucian kwéyòl. An Introduction to Kwéyòl Sent Lisi serves as a testament to her commitment to preserving the essence of St. Lucian cultural identity. By providing a comprehensive guide, Smith aims to empower individuals to embrace and celebrate their unique linguistic heritage. Smith also actively engages with the community by offering kwéyòl lessons and advocating for the recognition and appreciation of kwéyòl in various spheres, including education, arts, and social initiatives. She remains steadfast in her mission to ensure that the language and culture of Saint Lucian kwéyòl along with the other Antillean French based creoles continue to flourish, enriching the lives of present and future generations. Follow Soir online on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Connect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | WebsiteLooking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!
Want to Support Strictly Facts?
- Rate & Leave a Review on your favorite platform
- Share this episode with someone or online and tag us
- Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode
- Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education
Produced by Breadfruit Media
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