Dominica’s Kalinago, Kwéyòl, and Kokoy languages will take center stage when the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture hosts the 11th Annual E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture with a Panel Discussion on Thursday, 10 October, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at UWI Auditorium.
This year’s panelists and their respective topics are:
- Mr. Prosper Paris: “Mabricka! The influence of the Kalinagos on language in Dominica and the Caribbean”
- Mr. Raymond Lawrence & Mrs. Ophelia Marie: “Pa asé pou yo: The evolution of Dominica’s Kwéyòl language”
- Mr. Emanuel Prince: “A Fuh A Wi: Kokoy’s infusion in Dominica’s culture”
“In recent years, the theme of Dominica’s History Week during Independence Celebrations are reflected in the theme of the E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture,” explains Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head, of UWI Global Campus Dominica. “And this year is no different. We will seek to explore the influence of three of Dominica’s native languages: Kalinago, Kwéyòl, and Kokoy on our culture. Of course, each one has its own unique and rich history. Yet, what makes it most interesting is that they, like us, blend to form expression and a heritage that is truly Dominican.”
The E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture public lecture series forms part of the National Independence Calendar and focuses on cultural themes in celebration of the life and work of Edward Oliver Le Blanc, Dominica’s first Premier. He was devoted to culture and was an avid reader and poet.