Cuba
I'm swimming
Cuba language and population
The principal language of Cuba is Spanish and is spoken throughout the island. Spanish in the country is quite similar to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rican Spanish, although the version is quite different from that spoken in Spain, Mexico and South America. Cubans are descendants of Canarians that came from Canary Islands so the languages spoken in Cuba are quite similar the native of the island. Cubans tend to swallow the last syllable in a word and generally swallow the‘s’ sound.
Although there are no local dialects, the island’s diverse ethnic groups have influenced speech patterns. African have greatly enriched the vocabulary and contributed the soft, somewhat nasal accent and rhythmic intonation that distinguish contemporary Cuban speech. Immigration has left pockets of Haitians and Jamaicans in Cuba who speak French-based and English-based creoles (hybrid languages created by the mixture of European and African languages). Words of native Indian origin have passed into their languages like hamaca which means hammock in English. Many practitioners of the Santeria religion also speak Lucumi, a “secret” Yoruboid language of the Niger-Congo family.
Another language that is widely spoken in the country is English. Many Cuban business people understand and speak English, but in most cases foreigners make a greater impact and find more acceptability if they address themselves in Spanish to their Cuban interlocutors. Cubans enjoy talking to tourists, especially if you are staying with them in the “casas particulares” and some knowledge of Spanish will help you understand regular Cubans’ experience.
Cuba
Cuba major cities
Cities of Cuba
* Cuba overview * cities guide * Havana * Varadero * Santiago de Cuba * Holguin * Trinidad * hotels * getting there * getting around * attractions *
Much of Cuba's population and many of the major
Havana Cuba:
With a population of over two million, Havana Cuba is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean and by far the biggest urban conglomeration in Cuba. From the historic Habana Veija (Old Havana) to the culturally rich Vedado neighborhood, Havana displays the fine qualities that make a vacation to Cuba so rewarding. read more> Find hotels in Havana here.Santiago de Cuba:
Cuba’s second largest city, Santiago de Cuba is a lively cultural center that has produced many of the country’s finest musicians and is home to the islands most exciting carnival celebrations. Santiago de Cuba’s large Afro-Caribbean population gives the city a unique atmosphere, dialect, and vibe. read more>Varadero Cuba:
Cuba’s most popular beach resort, Varadero Cuba is situated on the long, beautiful Hicacos Peninsula. Home to the elaborate getaways of Al Capone and other rich Americans before the revolution, Varadero has prospered since Cuban tourism began to be encouraged in the early 1990s. There are now over 50 hotels on the peninsula, including some of the finest in all of Cuba. read more>Holguin Cuba:
San Isidore de Holguin Cuba is the provincial capital of the Holguin region that includes the resort destinations of Guardalavaca and Playa Esmeralda. San Isidore de Holguin Cuba is a pleasant regional town, well worth a visit on any Cuban vacation to the resorts. read more>Trinidad Cuba:
Cuba’s most historic town, Trinidad Cuba preserves many buildings from the island’s colonial period. The architecture is beautiful, but Trinidad is also worth a trip for its calming atmosphere and pleasant pace of life. read more>