Alice in Wonderland and Le Petit Prince in Jamaican Creole

Finally! Classic children’s novels in Jamaican Creole

Le Petit Prince and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are two classical novels which have been translated in many languages and dialects. Le Petit Prince, written by Antoine de Saint- Exupéry, was first published in 1943, and is the fourth most translated book in 303 languages and dialects. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland written by Lewis Carroll in 1865, has been translated in over 174 languages.

It is good that these classical works of art are translated in yet another language, but in this case it is better for the language. Jamaican Creole or Patwa is used in Jamaica alongside English, its lexifier language, but has been stigmatized as “bad English”. Only in recent years have linguists recognize Jamaican Creole as a language. Fortunately it is transmitted globally by popular Jamaican music.

Despite over 300 years of existence Jamaican Creole remains an oral language. These translations increase the number of written material in creole. It is my hope that these translations will be used as a medium for increasing literacy in creole, and to provide Jamaican children, and adults with classical stories in our own language.

Translator: Tamirand Nnena De Lisser

 Petit Prince Collection  - Di Likl Prins

Amamzon Books Alis Advencha ina Wandalan

Also visit our art gallery for contemporary fine art by Caribbean artists: EJ Gallery 

Updated October 2021