Saint-Helena-English is a dialect of English spoken on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. This dialect has evolved in isolation, reflecting a unique blend of influences from British settlers, African slaves, and the island's history as a British territory.
The history of Saint-Helena-English can be traced back to the colonization of the island by the British East India Company in 1659. Initially, the island was uninhabited, and it was settled by British sailors, soldiers, and later, by a diverse group of people including:
Over centuries, this mixture of cultures and languages contributed to the formation of a distinct English dialect, which has been shaped by the isolation of the island.
Saint-Helena-English exhibits several unique features:
Today, Saint-Helena-English remains the primary language spoken by the island's inhabitants. However, with increased communication and travel, there is a noticeable influence from modern British English, especially among younger speakers. Efforts to preserve this dialect include: