Shamira Coye

SSED-400: Understanding Belizean Society

Galen University
Case Study Reflection
 Language is a way of sharing our feelings and of communicating with one another.

Language is also a very important part of every culture. Throughout the years immigrants have

formed a high percentage of the population in Belize. In fact, the migrant population are the very

reason that Belize has a rich cultural diversity. Several immigrants entered this country providing

great contributions to the development of Belize. Our culture is influenced by the Mayan,

Mestizo, African Creole, German, Mennonite, Asian, Hindi and Garifuna which results in Belize

having a diversity of language. It is important to understand that language within these cultures

and ethnic groups form an integral part of their identity.

The Garifuna people formerly known as Black Caribs arrived to Belize in 1802 and

settled in the southern coastlines of Belize. Nowadays, Dangriga is known as the cultural capital

of Belize due to its blend of indigenous culture (Capeling, 2015). The Garifuna have fought

valiantly to maintain their identity despite the many challenges encountered due to globalization.

It is no secret that tourism and globalization have brought positive results for the development of

Belize. But we cannot ignore the fact that is has also influenced many languages and cultures in

Belize and it that has caused a shift in the language use and have created several environments

where many minority languages run the risk of going extinct. Minority languages are endangered

due to the widespread use of majority languages such as English causing several issues with

language discrimination.

In the case study of Uwahnie Martinez, it is evident that her civil rights have been

violated. Uwahnie Martinez was a worker at CIBC First Caribbean bank situated at Dangriga, in

the Stann Creek District. She was told by her employer not to use her native language in the

working area. According to Uwahnie it was the customer who had initiated the conversation in

Garifuna while doing a bank transaction and she found it in no way disrespectful or wrong to
answer the customer in Garifuna and not in English (Amandala Newspaper, 2014). It seems that

this was not the first time she was called the attention for using her native language with

customers. I believe that if the employer took an action against the use of her native language,

then he or she should have a very important reason to show that her actions have negatively

affected her capacity of being effective in her job. It is very disrespectful and in some level racist

to come to a country and start up a business in an area where majority of the population is

comprised of that specific ethnic group such as the Garifuna group in Dangriga. If the customers

feel more at ease communicating with their native language then so be it. The bank should at no

moment request “Speak English Only” policy especially when you take in consideration that you

are in a country that is popularly known for the diverse cultures. It is more than evident that if

you start up a business in Dangriga the Garifuna will use their native language at some point

since language is part of their identity. So to my opinion a rule requesting the employees to speak

only English at all times on the job is a form of violating the law. It is more than fair for the

Garifuna people to stand up and defend their native language as recognized by UNESCO in 2001

(Villas, 2020). It is somewhat sad to see how many traditions, beliefs and values have been lost

due to the influence of globalization. So now more than ever any language discrimination,

racism, prejudice and stereotype should be dealt with immediately. Our country is unique due to

the different ethnic groups, cultural background, languages, food, clothing, music etc. we should

not allow these cultures, customs and traditions to fade away.

 References

Capeling, R. (2015). Experience Cultural Capital, Dangriga Town, Belize. Retrieved from:

http://www.splashbelize.com/experience-cultural-capital-dangriga-town-belize/

Garinagu in Dangriga protest at CIBC First Caribbean. (2014). Amandala Newspaper. Retrieved

from: https://amandala.com.bz/news/garinagu-dangriga-protest-cibc-firstcaribbean/

Villas, M. C. (2020). 6 Things to Know about the Garifuna people of Belize. Retrieved from:

https://chabilmarvillas.com/6-things-to-know-about-the-garifuna-people-of-belize.html