[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Belize is a happy country and its normal to greet each other with a “Hello”,” Good morning “, a “Hi how are you” or a “What’s happening”. We are the only country in Central America where English is the official language. But depending on where you are in the country and who you are talking to, you will discover quite a diversity of language in the manner of greeting strongly related to the melting pot of cultures that are our people.
“Gud Maanin” or “Weh di go aan?” are two familiar Kriol greetings, sung here in a Belizean favorite by the late and well-respected King of Brukdown, Mr Wilfred Peters.
Whilst English is the official language, Kriol is spoken by most Belizeans, particularly at home or in informal situations. Often thought of as a dialect, it is in fact a language with its own set of rules and grammar.
In areas where the Mestizo culture is strong particularly in northern Belize and the Cayo district, the favored language is Spanish and familiar greetings are “Buenas Dias”,”Hola” and “Que Pasa?” Northern Belize still has several Maya villages, where Yucatec Maya is still spoken, though sadly the language is dying out. “How are you” is “Bix yanikech”, Good morning is “Ma’lob Ja’atskab K’iin”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6342″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6343″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Two other Maya languages are spoken in Belize, predominately in villages in the Toledo district where the Maya culture is strongest. The village of San Antonio is mostly populated with Mopan Maya and a traditional greeting which means both Hello and Goodbye would be “D’yoos”. San Pedro Columbia is the largest Q’eqchi Maya community and they also have their own language. A typical greeting would be ” Ma sa’aach’ol” (how are you?) When speaking to an older woman the greeting would be “Naxin” and for an older man “Waxin”. The younger generation greet each other with the more informal “Chan xawil”.
Stann Creek is the cultural heart of the Garinagu or Garifuna. “Buiti Binafi” is the greeting here. This language which is part of the Arawak group of languages is rich in stories of the Garifuna culture.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6339″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6340″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
In the Mennonites communities of Belize such as Spanish Lookout, Blue Creek and Barton Creek, the language spoken is low German. Good morning is “Goomorjess” or the informal “Morjess” Like many other Belizeans they also speak Spanish, English and Kriol.
Whilst the languages mentioned above make up the main cultural groups in Belize, today there are many other peoples, who have visited, fallen in love with and settled in the country. It’s not un-usual to hear Lebanese, Chinese and even French. Belize really is just one big melting pot.
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FAQs
Tropic Air is a certified Gold Standard service provider. In addition to this certification, we have also taken additional proactive and voluntary steps to ensure all our customers have a safe and healthy flying experience.
How do you say hello in Belize? ›
“Gud Maanin” or “Weh di go aan?” are two familiar Kriol greetings, sung here in a Belizean favorite by the late and well-respected King of Brukdown, Mr Wilfred Peters.
What language do they speak in Belize? ›
How do people greet in Belize? ›
Other acceptable greetings are handshakes, combinations of palms and fingers touching, thumbs locking and slaps on the back, or even a kiss on the cheek for someone to show great appreciation and trust.
What should I be careful of in Belize? ›
Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Other violent crime, including armed robbery, shootings, domestic abuse and sexual assault are also a concern.
Is there a travel warning for Belize? ›
Travel advisory: Every major travel advisory advises potential travelers to exercise caution and vigilance if traveling to Belize. Crime rate: The country has a high crime rate (59.05) and serious problems with violent crimes, and the presence of gangs.
Can you use US dollar in Belize? ›
Yes, if you use American bills you will probably be given change in Belizean dollars. They can be used interchangeably in Belize. But bills only, no coins. If you try to pay with a US quarter or and change at all they won't accept the coins.
Is Belize Hispanic or Latino? ›
Demography. According to a 2022 survey, 52.1% of the Belizean population is Hispanic: 37% Mestizo and 15% Latin American.
How to be polite in Belize? ›
Belizeans generally are incredibly kind and friendly. Greet folks with a "Good morning" before asking for directions, for a table in a restaurant, or when entering a store or museum, for example. It will set a positive tone and you'll be received much more warmly for having done so. Don't take pictures inside churches.
Is Belize considered a third world country? ›
Belize is an upper middle-income country in Central America with close sociopolitical and economic ties to the Caribbean. In 2022, Belize had a population of 405,000, a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 billion, and a per capita GDP of $6049.
After several months of negotiations with Great Britain and Guatemala, Belize achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981.
Does Belize welcome Americans? ›
Residency in Belize
Belize does not require U.S. citizens to have visas to visit Belize, and U.S. citizens can remain in the country for 1 month for no fee.
What do you call a Belize person? ›
Belizeans are people associated with the country of Belize through citizenship or descent.
How do you say good morning in Belize? ›
Basic Phrases in Belizean Kriol
- Gud maanin! — Good morning!
- Weh di gaan an? — What's up?
- Aarite. — All right.
- Cho! — What on earth!
- Weh yuh naym? — What's your name?
- You da Belize? — Are you from Belize?
- Weh gaan ahn gyal? — What's up, girl?
- Da weh time? — What time is it?
Tropic provides scheduled cargo service to all its destinations, offering clients same day transportation of mail, packages and perishable items. Cargo charters are also available. Tropic Air operates fifteen Cessna Grand Caravans (208B) – Glass co*ckpit, two Cessna T182T's – Glass co*ckpit.
What is the safest place in Belize? ›
What is the safest part of Belize? Placencia, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker are all considered safer areas for tourists. Belize City can be safe too if you stick to the tourist areas and don't wander off alone – especially not into the Northern part of the city.
Who is the owner of Tropic Air Belize? ›
Tropic Air is an airline operating scheduled services from Belize. Founded in 1979 by John Greif III with just a single airplane and two employees, Tropic has steadily grown to a fleet of 17 light aircraft and now operates over 200 daily scheduled flights.
Is it safe to stay in a resort in Belize? ›
Belize is safe to visit.
And like the Caribbean and Central America (and most of the world), a lot of it is related to the drug trade. If you use good travel sense and follow a few basic guidelines and tips, your trip should be fun and safe.
