II. The Meaning of Creole Identity

One of Maryse Condé's major themes is the enigma of Caribbean or Creole identity. The Caribbean identity is very difficult to define because of the complex history and geography of the Caribbean islands. The Caribbean islands' population is mainly made up of Blacks who are the descendants of enslaved Africans. For that reason, many Caribbeans feel that their true roots are not in the Caribbean but in Africa where their ancestors came from. Yet they don't speak any African language, have never seen the African land and don't have any present connection whatsoever with Africa . They speak Creole, their religion is a mix between Catholicism and voodoo and they have always lived among Indians and Whites who also claim to be Caribbeans. Some Caribbean islands speak English, some Spanish, some French and each island has created a different Creole. How can one feel a sense of unity, a sense of identity in the Caribbean ?

CULTURAL LINK: Creole expressions

ARTICLE LINK: Richardson, "Caribbean Migrations, 1838-1985"

Brereton, "Society and Culture in the Caribbean: The British and French West Indies, 1870-1980"