Taíno Language

The Taíno language was spoken by the Taíno people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, particularly in what is now Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. It belongs to the Arawakan language family, which is spread across parts of the Caribbean and South America.

Key Features of the Taíno Language:

• Arawakan Roots: As part of the Arawakan language family, Taíno shares linguistic traits with other indigenous languages in South America.
• Vocabulary Influence: Many Taíno words have entered modern languages, especially Spanish and English, with terms like “hurricane” (huracán), “canoe” (canoa), and “barbecue” (barbacoa) originating from Taíno.
• Decline and Revitalization: The Taíno language significantly declined after European colonization but there are ongoing efforts to revive and preserve the language as part of cultural heritage.

Learning about the Taíno language provides insights into the culture, history, and legacy of the indigenous people of the Caribbean.