Belizean Creole Proverb

Belize is an old English colony, located south of the Yucatan peninsula in the western Caribbean, and is the only English speaking country in Central and South America.  A lot of Belizean’s use a dialect of English commonly referred to as creole.

Depending on the amount of creole used, this English will sound completely different to the English you may be used to.

Belizeans like to use proverbs as a way of communicating feelings and past memories. You will often hear a proverb in everyday conversation, and usually the wisdom is wise.

In the jungle, this one is always useful.

Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, and Guinea Hen at Lower Dover

“Wen cackroach mek dance, e no invite fowl.
Literally: When the cockroach makes a dance, it doesn’t invite the fowl.
Meaning: Don’t look for trouble.”

Source: Creole Proverbs of Belize Collected by Colville N. Young D.Phil.

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