Learn Creole Like An All-Star

All-Star Since: March 4, 2018

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I am of Haitian extraction and growing up I was never taught Creole.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Just like learning any new language it requires time, effort, and practice.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I’m certainly more confident to communicate more openly!

All-Star Since: Jan 30, 2018

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Going to Haiti and only knowing basic phrases was fun but going after Haiti Hub was a lot of fun!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Practice and learn to silently translate your daily conversations into Creole.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The experience in Haiti is incredible now being able to speak with others and see their appreciation for my hard work.

All-Star Since: Dec 7, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to better communicate with people when I visit my sister church in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Go for it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Better interactions with my Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ.

All-Star Since: Nov 1, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to return to Haiti and interact without relying on others to translate.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Make time to listen to people speak Creole; it’s not enough to just practice with pen and paper.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can now interact and connect with the people directly instead of relying on a translator.

All-Star Since: Oct 19, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I have been to visit friends in Haiti five times and try to learn more Creole each year so that I can communicate better when I am not with a translator.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s not a difficult language, but takes time to ‘grow’ on you; some of the letter signs and contractions are difficult to master.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Thinking in Creole, even as I go about my daily life in the US.

All-Star Since: Sept 14, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

So I could understand better and communicate more with the Haitians.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Join Haitihub and move in amongst the Haitian people.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can understand more of what others are saying, even if they are not necessarily talking to me.

All-Star Since: Sept 11, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I was motivated to learn Creole so that I can communicate with people in Haiti while on mission trips.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Practice, practice, practice!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to talk to Haitians in their native language.

All-Star Since: Aug 31, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want the people in Haiti to know I love them.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Listen, speak, and study (at least a little), every day that you can.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

What a joy to see the faces of the Haitian people when I attempt to communicate with them in their language!

All-Star Since: Aug 22, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to do anthropological fieldwork in Haiti after graduation.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Be consistent in learning, slow and steady wins the race with language.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have been able to enjoy Haitian music/media more.

All-Star Since: Aug 6, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

MINUSTAH

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

You will love the grammar!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

It gives me confidence in talking to the Haitian people.

All-Star Since: July 27, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to communicate on some level with the Haitian culture.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s confusing, but the more repetitive you are, the easier it will be.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I’m so excited to be able to understand some of the conversation, even if I can’t totally keep up. I love my translators, but I feel speaking some of the native language is important and shows you have a genuine interest and care!

All-Star Since: July 15, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I will be moving to Haiti in a few weeks to teach 2nd grade and serve alongside some awesome missionaries. I will be teaching in English but am motivated to learn Creole in order to communicate and build relationships with the families of my students, other teachers at my school and people in the community where I will be living.

All-Star Since: May 9, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to work with Haitians on this project in a more intimate and respectful way.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

If you are planning on working in Haiti for an extended period of time, learning their language is one of the biggest keys to making your work more effective and respectful to Haitians.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I already feel like I am more connected with my friends in Haiti because now not only can they talk to me in my language, but I can speak their language as well.

All-Star Since: Apr 21, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to return to Haiti and be a short-term mission volunteer.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Stick with it. It is a challenging, but interesting, language to learn.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I will be able to better communicate with Haitians in their own language.

All-Star Since: Jan 3, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to deepen my interactions with the people of Haiti and not always depend on a translator.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

See to it you pass at least one module a week. This will keep you disciplined and on track.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I love seeing how my brothers and sisters are encouraged. It demonstrates our love and commitment to them that we invest the time to learn Creole.

All-Star Since: Apr 5, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to talk to the people working in the orphanage when I visit my child for the 1st time.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

I’d encourage people from other countries than U.S. to start learning from English to Creole because there are no books or other opportunities from e.g. German to Creole.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I just started a week ago, so I really can’t say – maybe that I had to repeat some english words I thought I knew for sure, but when it came to the exact meaning I had to look them up.

All-Star Since: Mar 18, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I live in Jeremie, Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Don’t be too shy to practice even if you mess up!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to understand when people respond or communicate with me.

All-Star Since: Jan 25, 2017

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to have a personal relationship with the people I serve.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Review previous lessons when you encounter an unfamiliar challenge.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The enjoyment of taking on a new challenge.

All-Star Since: Nov 10, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I enjoy communicating in Creole with Haitians when I serve in Haiti on mission trips.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Speaking even poor Creole opens doors to begin relationships in a powerful way.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I seem to be more readily accepted and more credible in the community I serve.

All-Star Since: Oct 4, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to communicate with the Haitian people with whom I work.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

You CAN do it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Forming better relationships!

All-Star Since: Sep 28, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to work better with the people I work with in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Don’t be intimidated.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

It has helped break down some bad power dynamics between myself and those I work with in Haiti and led to a better working relationship.

All-Star Since: Sep 16, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to hold a conversation with my Haitian friends and sponsored students when I visit.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Work through the uncomfortable awkwardness, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Connecting with people to build relationships.

All-Star Since: Sep 14, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to do missionary work with my church and reach out to people who speak Haitian Creole and are of the Haitian culture.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Make sure you have a motivating and meaningful purpose behind wanting to learn Haitian Creole, so that you will be able to stick with the decision to learn the language.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I feel more confident as a person, and learning this new language has opened up more opportunities for me to reach out, communicate, and build deeper relationships with other people.

All-Star Since: Aug 30, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

A desire to better connect with Creole speakers in my research on Creole-language textbooks in education.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s wonderfully rewarding, especially when you are able to communicate with a Creole-speaker; choose this program and take your time with listening practice.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Firstly, better understanding the material being taught in the textbooks I’m studying; secondly, speaking in Creole as opposed to French creates a personal connection when conducting interviews — even if I have a lot to learn!

All-Star Since: Aug 7, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to become more effective when in Haiti and connect with the Haitian people better.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Talking with the little kids at the orphanage I work at that don’t know English yet.

All-Star Since: July 29, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I’ve been to Haiti multiple times and I wanted to be able to communicate better with my Haitian friends.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Don’t be scared, just do it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can form some sentences and though I am still not fluent, I am much more confident.

All-Star Since: June 30, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Preparing for a short term mission trip to Haiti in August 2016.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Add your own additional vocab words to each lesson. Pick words that are related to hobbies/interests/career.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Historically, I’ve been quite bad at learning languages. Completing this course has been incredibly rewarding and encouraging!

All-Star Since: June 18, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to communicate fluently with my patients, friends and family in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Immerse yourself in the language – it’s the best way to learn it.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I think it gives me a bit more credibility among the patients I am seeing in Haiti.

All-Star Since: May 18, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I lead a weekly prayer meeting for Haiti and wanted to be able to speak with my new Haitian friends.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Learning a language is all about building relationships – Let that motivate you!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I will be able to speak with the locals when I go to Haiti this year.

All-Star Since: May 7, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to connect on a deeper level with our Haitian employees and the Haitian people I serve.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Start with HaitiHub and stick with it! HaitiHub is the fastest and easiest way to learn Creole – the lessons really stick with you so they’re easy to recall when you’re on the spot in Haiti!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The biggest benefit for me is that I no longer need an interpreter in most situations. Haiti Hub has given me the tools I need to be able to build sentences and express myself.

All-Star Since: May 16, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Pale ak fanmi mwen nan Ayiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Practice, Practice, Practice!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

My hope is to build stronger relationships.

All-Star Since: May 15, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Eight trips to Haiti so far. Friends there. Want to enhance relationships and patient care.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Do it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Strengthening relationships and trust.

All-Star Since: March 15, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I’ve spent a lot of time abroad in other countries, and speaking the language helps everything!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Well, I cheated because I lived in France for years and am fluent in French.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

This course was the best preparation. Between what I learned on HaitiHub, and my French, I managed pretty well and made some new wonderful friends.

All-Star Since: Feb 21, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Medical mission work.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s a very easy language to learn.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Just finished.

All-Star Since: Mar 19, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To help me shift the focus for my service to include more relationship building.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It is really worth it to keep retyping those sentences even with small mistakes as practice makes perfect.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

My next trip will be this June. I anticipate joy from being able to communicate more with others and build meaningful relationships.

All-Star Since: Feb 19, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I go to Haiti every year and want to be able to communicate with the people without relying on a translator!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Don’t be afraid, it’s not hard.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to communicate one on one with my sponsor child.

All-Star Since: Feb 14, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I go to Haiti twice a year with The Chapel at Crosspoint to Mission of Hope: Haiti and I have a child I sponsor and get to see twice a year but I also wanted to be able to communicate better on my own.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Take your time and do not expect it to happen as fast as they predicted. It was a very very difficult journey.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Personal accomplishment.

All-Star Since: Feb 4, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

My dad was Haitian but he never got to teach me Creole because he passed away.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s easy – it just takes a lot of practice and full understanding.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can finally communicate with other Haitians around me.

All-Star Since: Jan 30, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I really want our work to be as inclusive and collaborative as possible, and I think communicating in Haitian Creole alongside English will be essential for that.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Use HaitiHub – it’s a great launchpad for learning Creole!

All-Star Since: Jan 2, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to better communicate with our daughter.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Go for it!

All-Star Since: Jan 10, 2016

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To communicate better with my family.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Stop thinking about it and start doing it, you’ll find your way.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I feel a lot closer to my Haitian heritage.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to converse with the friends I have met, in their own language.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It is definitely worth the effort when you see the smiles on the faces of the people you meet and chat with.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I feel more confident in being able to actually speak to the Haitian People in their own language.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to better communicate with the people and children we serve!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

You absolutely can do this and it is worth every moment spent.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I am leaving tomorrow for my first trip back to Haiti since finishing the course. I have not yet used the language in country, but cannot wait!

Update:
The biggest benefit for me personally was being able to communicate with my babies at Grace Orphanage without the constant help of a translator. For the first time I didn’t have to find someone to translate but instead asked the kids to repeat slowly when I didn’t understand what they were asking of me. Not only that, but using what I’ve learned to deepen my relationship with Mita, their head caretaker. She lit up when I greeted her in her native language. I cannot wait to continue expanding my knowledge of Haiti and Haitian Creole! Haiti Hub has been a blessing to me.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to communicate with my family in their beautiful language.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Speak, even if you are unsure of what you are saying because someone will correct you and you will remember it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

It is a goal that I set out to accomplish and I am proud to take what I have learned and practice with my family.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Trying to talk with people

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Communication.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I have been to Haiti 20 times since the earthquake and plan on continuing trips there three or four times a year.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It was helpful to me to memorize a lot of vocabulary words, but Haiti Hub really pulled it all together and is the best teaching tool I have found.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

As I volunteer in schools and orphanages, it is a blessing to be able to talk with my new friends.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I fell in love with Haiti practically the second I stepped off the airplane in Port-au-Prince in March 2010…the bright colors, the twoubadou music, the friendly smiles…but I knew ZERO Kreyol, so I was concerned when I heard people speaking loudly to each other. I assumed there was some sort of disagreement going on. When I asked if everything was ok, they smiled and said they were just discussing directions to get somewhere. I laughed and immediately thought of my mom’s side of the family, a bunch of loud, talk-with-your-hands, Irish New Yorkers! Ha! They’re just like my family! But I found that I had better relationships with the Haitians that spoke English. Speaking to someone through a translator felt distant, and I wanted to be able to connect with people directly to build on those friendships. It would’ve been easier for me to try to learn French, not having a Haitian community here in Corvallis, OR, but it was very important that I learn to speak the language that EVERYONE in Haiti speaks. And the unique history of how the language was formed out of survival by the slaves, eventually leading to their successful revolt, absolutely amazed me. I fell in love with Haiti, and I fell in love with the language as well. I HAD to learn it!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s ok to make mistakes. Take a deep breath and just start speaking it every chance you get! Haitians LOVE when you at least try; it shows that you care. Also, Kreyol is a very simplified and contextual language…and it’s even phonetically spelled…BONUS! If your high school foreign language classes didn’t go so well, never fear. The Haiti Hub module system is fun and interactive! If you want to speak Kreyol, you CAN DO IT! Come join us!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Often times in Haiti, locals assume I can’t understand what’s being said, so I usually get some laughs and surprised looks when I jump in and add my two cents. The invisible wall of “us” and “them” is broken down when we can communicate directly, and the friendships I’ve made because of it are priceless. I think one of the funniest moments for me since speaking more Kreyol was when we had a group with us in Jacmel. We had dropped off the group to get surf lessons from Surf Haiti and went to refill our water jug and Prestige case, but one of our empty Prestige bottles was missing. You know how it is, you don’t get the same price for your case if any bottles are missing. My Haitian friend with me told the guy we’d find the bottle and bring it back. He charged us 50 gourdes extra for our case and said he’d refund us when we brought it back. Half a block later, where we were getting the water jug refilled, the bottle was found. I offered to walk back with it and get the 50 gourdes. I walked in to the little shop front and said to the owner, “Mw regret sa. Nou pat ka jwenn sa pandan yon moment. Ou gen senkant gourdes pou mwen?” He just looked at me confused and said, “Ou Ayisyen?” I laughed and said, “Nan ke mw.” 😉

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Moving to Haiti

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Daily repetition is key to being successful

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have been able to better connect with the people of Haiti.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Our church partners with a ministry in La Gonave, and I wanted to be able to communicate better when I went there.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Truly, I would say to use this website–I have a long way to go before I’m fluent, but before I discovered this site, the apps and self-guided study I tried were going nowhere.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Learning language (even a little!) opens so many doors of communication and relationship. When I went to Haiti, others could see that I tried to learn the language, and I was able to connect with them to a greater degree. Practically speaking, it helps so much to be able to ask a question or communicate an idea.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

For a while I have desired to better communicate with my Haitian friends and Would love to visit Haiti and volunteer at a school in the near future.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s very easy to learn. Just keep a schedule and try to practice every week.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The satisfaction of learning a language I’ve wanted to learn for the past few years.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

For a while I have desired to better communicate with my Haitian friends and conduct actives in Haiti more proficiently.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Dedicate a set time to learn and practice, practice, practice.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Simply being able to communicate more effectively with my Haitian friends.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to communicate directly with the people we minister to in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Keep your goal in mind – remember why you are doing this, and don’t give up when it gets difficult.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I’ve come to appreciate language and communication in general far better, and come to appreciate and admire those who are attempting to communicate with me in a second language.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I need to connect with the people that I help.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Haiti Hub is a good practical resource, but you need a chance to practice with fluent speakers.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can personally learn the needs of the people and I can help encourage them.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to relate to my non-English speaking Haitian friends as I do with my English speaking friends.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Be diligent and stick with it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Deepening and enrichment of relationships.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I work with a program in the Dominican Republic that does radiation treatment for Haitian children with cancer.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Learning Creole enables you to communicate with the people you work with on a whole new level – DO IT!!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have been able to develop a closer relationship with the families that come here in a time where there are so many unknowns, which is very comforting for them.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Wanting to communicate with people from Haiti on their own terms.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Have fun.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I think I’ve been able to gain a better understanding of Haiti – and it’s people.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To communicate and to deepen my understanding of Haitian culture

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Go for it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Feeling like I can connect with more people.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I really wanted to increase my fluency to communicate better with my Haitian patients and when I travel abroad on service trips to Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Always seek out opportunities to practice the language and don\’t be afraid to make mistakes!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

My kids want to learn to speak it as well.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I desire authentic, fun interaction with my Haitian coworkers and friends.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Go for it and interact with those who know Creole as much as possible – they love to help you.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Positive, genuine interactions that reflect my desire to be in relationship with my Haitian friends.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Lovedana our “adopted Haitian daughter” and the community of Ti Palmiste where she lives.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Motivation comes from many places but the best place of all is love for your fellow human beings.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

It opens doors into the hearts of the people you are collaborating with in Haiti.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To express genuine love to all God’s people by learning to communicate with them

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Allow time and patience to practice a little everyday, including CD’s while traveling by vehicle.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can now work diligently on fluency in order to communicate my heartfelt desire to love and work with the people.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Love for the country and people and wanting to learn more.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Patience with yourself and bite-sized chunks.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to understand and communicate better with my Haitian friends.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To minimize the need for a translator when in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

To start here with Haitihub!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I’m going back to Haiti in February, I’ll be able able to answer this question then.

We’ll catch up with Travis more soon!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I would like to continue working in Haiti and want to become fluent.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Go for it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I work with Hope for Haiti’s Children in a medical clinic annually and can talk with my sponsored child when I see her.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

A Haitian said ” You are in my country, you should learn my language!”

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Go at your own pace, visit the country often, to keep the motivation and momentum flowing.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to understand native speakers more frequently when I am in the country.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Traveling to Haiti with a team – wanted to be able to make personal connections with the people.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Haitihub is the place to start! I was very satisfied with the quality of this program and with my progress.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Connecting with our hosts and fellow workers in Haiti, even simple sentences can build relationships.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I am traveling to Haiti 3 or more times a year to work to get children sponsored for school.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Learning Creole is worth it, keep practicing!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Learning Creole is making it so fun to be able to communicate with the children I work with.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to communicate with wonderful people.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Enjoy speaking the language as often as you can.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have gained great friends who speak creole.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I moved to Haiti and want to be close to the people I serve with.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Get in a group and do it out loud!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Relationships deepen.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

A desire to communicate and build relationships with the people I work with in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Be fearless, keep at it and let your Haitian friends teach you Creole as you teach them English.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The ability to communicate and work together with my Haitian friends in planning and implementing programs and projects.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Have made several trips to Haiti and want to continue building relationships

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Your Haitian friends will enjoy helping you learn

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

More confidence when visiting Haiti and a deeper relationship with people I’m trying to help.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Have been going to Haiti since 1982, bringing annual health care teams since 2004, and wanted to improve my Creole.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Using the Haitihub tool is a good start to learning the basics of Creole, from an anglophone perspective.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Much more credibility with my Haitian counterparts, who consider me “part Haitian”

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I longed to be able to communicate with the Haitian people, letting them know that we are family.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Be diligent in study and use whatever you learn; the people LOVE to help you when you try to speak Creole.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Each time I go to Haiti and can speak a little more Creole, my relationship with the people deepens. They become more comfortable with me, and we view each other as friends!!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Wanting to be able to understand and speak to people when we go there.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Don’t give up, keep studying over and over again, it takes time.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can hear and understand what is being said, and haiti hub has helped with grammar etc sooo much.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I have a desire to communicate well with people in Haiti and a belief that anyone working in another country should make an effort to speak the language of the people.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Be patient with yourself and practice a lot.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Mwen renmen pale ak moun ayisyen e travay ansam ak yo.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

We are serving in Haiti full time and believe that it is so important to learn Creole in order to build relationships!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It may be difficult to learn a new language, but it is SO worth the effort if you want to show Haitian people that you truly care about them.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I am more confident in speaking with the people I live with and work with and it has helped to develop closer relationships, which is so important to me!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to speak Creole with my Haitian research participants.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Memorizing the grammar rules will get you going, then vocab drills will flesh out what you’ve already learned.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have found that most Haitians I meet are very excited to learn that I’m learning Creole and they almost always offer to practice with me.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to talk to my Haitian friends and our new children in their native language.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Don’t give up, but continue moving forward at whatever pace you can consistently accomplish.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

To be able to better communicate with the Haitian people.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

We’ve done volunteer work in Haiti and are looking to spend 2 years there now.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Start with a program like HaitiHub that really helps nail down the basics!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

To be able to talk, albeit inadequately, to Haitian acquaintances.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Build stronger relationships with friends in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Haiti Hub is the best program I have found!! Practice, practice, practice…

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have more confidence in my Haitian Creole.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To be able to speak with the children at the orphanage I visit.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Set aside a certain amount of time per day or week and commit to making a certain amount of progress – and stick to it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to have conversations with and getting to know the children better.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Medical mission work in Haiti since 1998

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

The effort is worth the relationships it supports.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Improving communication with my Haitian patients and the Haitian staff I get to work with.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

We plan to move to Haiti in the summer to live and volunteer there for 2 years.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Do a little every day and repeat, repeat, repeat.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I love talking with Haitian kids!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Adopting children from Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Find a great program that works with the schedule you have so you will be successful.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Knowing that when I travel to Haiti I will be able to better communicate with those I encounter, especially the children.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I was motivated to learn Creole so I can communicate with the Haitians I live and work and worship with.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Don’t be afraid to say it wrong and don’t be afraid to ask people repeat or slow down!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to understand the conversations going on around me and feeling less isolated.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to communicate with my sons, help them maintain their first language, and be more effective in networking and building relationships with other Haitians locally in the US and Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Dedicate some time each day to learning, listening to and/or speaking Creole–even if it’s just listening to Haiti radio stations or Haitian music.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Volunteering in Haiti

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Immersion!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Smiles from the Haitian kids.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

So I can communicate with the people and communities I will be with in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Be patient and just wait, you will learn more once you start communicating with locals.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to communicate to the children.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to learn Creole to be able to be as useful and helpful as I possibly can when I finally have the opportunity to go to Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

I would tell someone trying to learn the language to keep working at it, practice it, and listen to it as much as possible.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have not yet been to Haiti so I have not had much benefit from learning the language, but it has certainly made me feel less apprehensive about going. I am looking forward to hopefully being able to help and minister more than I would’ve had I not worked at learning the language.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to communicate with and connect to the orphans I’ll be serving while in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Success here, as with anything, requires that you decide, commit and then work at it.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

It remains to be tested, but I feel more confident about connecting with people in Haiti.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To better understand how I can serve the people of Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Practice with a Haitian.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I’m not there yet but I’ll report back.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I went down to Haiti and came back wishing I knew more of the language.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Keep trying – don’t give up!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Deeper relationships with Haitians. Knowing more Creole means I can know them more personally.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to talk to my friends from and while i’m in Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It is a very basic language, it is possible to learn and will make such a difference!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Feeling like I can really get the most out of my time in Haiti and invest in my friendships there.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to speak with the kids and mamas at our orphanage.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Start before you go to the country.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I’ve been able to begin to develop relationships with the people we are here to love.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I am traveling to Haiti for the third time and wanted to be able to communicate better with children in the orphanage.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It’s so much easier than French!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to really communicate with the people of Haiti (most children did not understand French)

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to communicate better with our Haitian friends.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Keep fighting.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I am continually amazed that the words and sentences I have studied and practiced come out of seemingly nowhere!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To build relationships with Haitians.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Keep up the good work!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Making the Haitian kids smile when they hear me trying to speak!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to more effectively communicate with and encourage the Haitians I meet during short-term mission trips.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Soak in as much Creole as you can, and keep a positive attitude throughout!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Having the speaking and writing skills to keep in touch with my Haitian friends over the phone and via e-mail, even when I can’t be with them in person.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I fell in love with Haitian culture a few years ago and now I am preparing for my first trip to Haiti for a medical volunteer mission.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

If you don’t know any native speakers who can help you along with the Haiti Hub process, listen to Haitian music, which can greatly help with listening comprehension and proper pronunciation.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I am really looking forward to traveling to and volunteering in Haiti this spring. I am confident that Haiti Hub has armed me with the tools I need to communicate more effectively with those I am going to serve. I can say that I have experienced a greater ability to connect more deeply to the Haitian culture that is ever present in the Haitian Diaspora of New York City. Not only can I communicate better with my friends, I can also understand more of the lyrics to my favorite konpa songs 🙂 I am so excited about this road towards creole frequency and what the future might bring!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I lead several groups to Haiti each year and want to interact more with the people of Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

This is the best program that I have used to learn Creole because I can now construct sentences, not just vocab.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Interacting with the people. Haitians know I am not fluent in Creole, but they appreciate that I value them enough to try.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

My husband and I are going to adopt a child from Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Use Haiti hub! It’s really fun and not too difficult.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I feel more prepared for our trip to Haiti.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to communicate with a beautiful group of people.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Work hard and do it!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The Haitian people realize that I love them enough to try to learn their language and they respect me for it.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to connect with the Haitian people so that I can more clearly share Jesus!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Learning the Creole language has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me, one that will be used for my lifetime!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The biggest benefit for me was that I could communicate on a more personal level with the Haitian people.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Learning the language helps me to connect more with the local people, and increases my ability to communicate.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Learning the language shows those who speak it that you have an interest in learning about them and their culture.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Even though I have a long way to go before reaching fluency I feel I can at least communicate to some degree with the people I will be visiting.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I saw a lot of Haitians using social services in Orlando and the lack of Creole speakers working in social services.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Pay attention to the details; a lot is communicated in small words.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Personally, I feel like I’ve accomplished something. Learning a new language is hard and takes time, but I’ve stuck to it and feel proud of myself for doing it. People are always surprised when I say I speak some Creole!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

So I can speak with all my Haitian friends when I go to Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Use Haiti Hub to learn Creole… it is great!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I can now communicate with all my friends in Creole… even all my class mates!

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I plan to return to Haiti again on mission work and would like to be able to communicate freely.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

It is well worth it, and quite easy to learn.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to talk to the Haitian people for myself without needing someone to translate.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I want to be able to communicate with the Haitian people I meet when I go to Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Sign up for Haitihub!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

The ability to show respect for my Haitian friends by speaking in their language.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

My friends who were learning it with me.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Go for it.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

To be able to communicate better when I visit Haiti on mission trips with my church.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Set goals and don’t give up!

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Now I am actually able to communicate with people in Haiti.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to use my skills where they were needed without drawing translators away from other projects.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Work at it every day, and be patient with yourself when you forget things.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I had the confidence to travel up into the hills to work with students at a rural university without a translator.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

In consulting with HaitiHub, I went through all their resources and accidentally ended up learning to speak Creole!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Get started, keep going, don’t get discouraged, and find people you can practice with regularly.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I have felt a much stronger connection with the Creole-speakers and volunteers I know.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

Three of my 5 amazing children are from Haiti and we will volunteer there as a family in the future.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Piti piti, zwazo fe nich li. Little by little the bird builds his nest.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

My children can see that I am invested and interested in keeping their culture alive in them.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to communicate more easily with my adopted sons.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Take the HaitiHub foundation, then apply it to immersing yourself in whatever you can. Haitian Creole music, videos, movies, native speakers, whatever you can find.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

I cannot place a value on the ability to communicate with our sons without relying on someone else to translate throughout this complicated adoption process.

What motivated you to really learn Creole?

I wanted to be able to converse with the children at HELO and people of Haiti.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn Haitian Creole?

Be patient. When learning any language, patience is vital. Learning Creole can be challenging, but it’s a very rewarding experience.

What’s been the biggest benefit for you personally since learning to communicate in Creole?

Being able to have conversations in Creole with my friends in Haiti and being able to accept an ESL position in Haiti because I know the language.