The status of Papiamentu is also being strengthened legally and administratively. On January 22, 2024, Papiamentu was recognized on Bonaire under Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. This recognition provides protection and promotes the use of the language in areas such as education, culture, media, government, and the judiciary.
For more information about the Charter: https://open.overheid.nl/documenten/f8a7cedf-eaa4-417d-98dd-4190ae92e9f1/file
Bonaire’s language policy thus aims to foster a society in which Papiamentu remains firmly established as a unifying language, while residents are also given the opportunity to develop their skills in multiple languages. In this way, language contributes to connection, equal opportunities, participation, and the preservation of Bonairean identity and culture.
