Belize Liteature Review, Update
Hi Erika,
This week, I have been working on the Belize Literature Review. I have been doing it in Word and I am now pasting it in this blog entry. What I will do from now on is I will just paste the whole thing when its done or just email you the attachment to the Literature Review on Word.
Have a great thanksgiving.
Brad
Introduction
Hook sentence:
Statement of Purpose:
The purpose of this literature review is to provide a concise overview of the culture, language, and community in Belize.
Geography and Physical Features
Country
Population – near 300,000 (Wikipedia, 2006)
eastern coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea (Wikipedia, 2006).
bordered by Mexico to northwest and Guatemala to west and south (Wikipedia, 2006).
parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy - recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as Sovereign (Wikipedia, 2006).
Belize River - Belize's longest river (Wikipedia, 2006).
Belize City - former capital and largest city (Wikipedia, 2006).
only English-speaking country in Central America (Wikipedia, 2006).
British colony for longer than a century (then called British Honduras until 1973) (Wikipedia, 2006).
became an independent nation in 1981 (Wikipedia, 2006).
member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) (Wikipedia, 2006).
considered culturally both Caribbean and Central American
smallest populated non-island sovereign state in Americas (Wikipedia, 2006).
Community
Multiple ethnic groups, language, and cultures (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Multi-racial and multi-ethnic (Wikipedia, 2006)
Ethnic diversity:
Caused by colonization, slavery, and immigration
3 largest groups: Mestizo, and Creole, and Mayan (Wikipedia, 2006).
Ethnic groups (Wikipedia, 2006).
Belize Creole
Garifuna
Mestizo
Maya
Mennonite (Dutch/German farmers)
East Indian/Syrian/Lebanese
East Asian: Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean
Mainland African: Nigeria and elsewhere
Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba etc.
American
Mestizo
mixed ancestry
combines Spanish and Indian heritage
majority of Belizeans
Spanish never established colonies in Belize
Mestizos living here now are mostly refugees from mid-1800's (Wikipedia, 2006).
Creole
2nd largest ethnic group
blend of English settlers and African slaves (although "Creole" is commonly thought of as French origin
tend to live in larger, urban areas (Belize City)
distinctive culture (Wikipedia, 2006).
Mayan
descended from ancient Mayan civilization
estimated that about 2 million Maya lived in Belize
(Wikipedia, * date).
Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Creoles (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
one of the most prominent ethnic groups (30% of total population, 2001
descendants of early British settlers with African slaves
recognized prominently by their values and way of life
2/3 of Creole population reside in Belize City
Creole men have commonly worked in logging
Now commonly work in civil service
Mestizo (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
about 48% of total population
descendants of mixed blood Mexicans and Yucatec Mayans
fled from the Yucatan in the mid 1800's
1840 - settled in Belize in to escape La Guerra de Castas in Yucatan
most occupy northern regions of Corozal and Orange walk and western district of Cayo
integral part of Belizean community
instrumental in growth and progress of the county
Garifuna (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
6.6% of total population
have own language and culture
came to Belize from the Bay Islands of Honduras in 1803
Origin: African slaves, Carib and Arawak Indians
Dominate southern towns of Punta Gorda and Dangriga as well as the villages of Seine Bight, Hopkins, Georgetown, and Barranco
Some also reside in Belize City and Belmopan
Fishing and agriculture traditional occupation
Rituals and traditions - still retained
Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
3 Maya groups
Yucatec Maya
originated from Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico
came to Belize in mid-1800’s running from Guerra de Castes (Caste War)
now reside in Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo Districts
Now speak English and Spanish rather than native language
Mopan Maya (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Came to Belize in 1886 as flee from taxation and forced labor from the Peten region of Guatemala
Reside in San Antonio Village in Toledo District and other villages in the Cayo District
Kekchi Maya (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
came to Belize in 1870's as flee from enslavement by the German coffee growers in Verapaz, Guatemala
Settled in lowland areas along rivers and streams, forming small isolated villages throughout Toledo
Due to isolation, became most self reliant ethnic group in Belize
peaceful people known for cooperative practices in farming and cultural development
Chinese (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Total population: 6,000
As refugees, fled the Japanese invasion of China just before World War II
Recently - Belizean government initiated economic citizenship program – provided many Taiwanese homes and helped them start businesses and work
East Indians (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
about 2% total population
settled in Belize after Emancipation in 1838
many worked in sugar plantations
spread out over many villages and towns primarily in Corozal and Toledo districts
well integrated into total population
Mennonites (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
1958 – came from Manitoba, Canada, Chihuahua, and Mexico
reside in Orange Walk and Cayo Districts in six main communities: Blue Creek, Shipyard, Little Belize, Progresso, Spanish Lookout and Barton Creek
easily identified by their apparels
women wear bonnets and long dresses
men wear denim overalls and hats
The Mennonites have initiated own school, church, and financial institution
well grounded in agriculture
poultry products and Mennonite-crafted furniture are popular products sold in markets all over Belize.
Well known as hard working people
History of ethnic group settlement (Wikipedia, 2006)
Maya
most established of all ethnic groups
resignated in Belize and Yucatan region since 500's AD
White English and Scottish settlers
1630's
exported logwood
first African slaves began arriving from other countries in Caribbean and Africa and procreated with whites and each other = creating Creole ethnic group
Mestizo (from Mexico and Guatemala)
After 1800 - settled in North Belize
Garifuna
Blend of African and Caribbean
After 1800 - settled in South Belize
Asian (from Mainland China, Taiwan, Syria, Lebanon, and Korea)
After 1900
Central American immigrants and expatriate Americans and Africans
Present ethnic proportions (Wikipedia, 2006):
Mertizos – 50% total population
Creoles - 25%
Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite Dutch/German farmers, Central Americans, whites from America, Africans, and Cubans – remaining 25%
Culture
racial harmony and religious tolerance = successful blend of ethnic, language, culture (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
widespread reputation for its friendly peoples (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Naturally tolerant, friendly, fun-loving, courteous
greet each other on the street even if they have never meet (Wikipedia, 2006)
At times, not willing to fight for what they want and allow foreigners walk all over them (Wikipedia, 2006).
Music
Punta - most popular genre of Garifuna music
most popular music genre in Belize
Distinctly Afro-Caribbean, and is sometimes said to be ready for international popularization like similarly descended styles (reggae, calypso, merengue, etc) (Wikipedia, 2006).
Brukdown
very popular modern style of Belizean music
evolved out of the music and dance of loggers, especially a form called buru (Wikipedia, *date).
Unique culture
effortlessly blends ethnic groups, languages, religions, and more (Wikipedia, 2006).
Religion
Roman Catholicism
traditionally most common religion
Protestant
2nd most common religion (from English influence)
Recent increase of Chinese and East Indian groups has led to an expansion in the number of religions represented (Wikipedia, *date)
(Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
(Bigelow, no date provided)
Kriol Culture (Bigelow, no date provided)
National Kriol Council of Belize(website)
formed in 1995, non-profit company
Purpose: promote culture and language of Kriol people
harmony among all ethnic groups of Belize
Maya Eco-Cultural System
Attraction in Cayo District
Visitors participate in "full Maya experience"
People search rainforest in search of healing herbs
Elders tell stories about past
Garifuna Village Project (Garifuna community of Punta Gorda) - largest town in the Toledo District
living museum in traditional Garifuna village
restaurant, arts and crafts shop, and artifact museum
Mexican culture: (Ambergris Caye, 2006)
Mexican settlers brought a distinct culture with Spanish, Mayan and Catholic traditions
Many traditions are still followed today
Ex: religious feast days and celebrations
Ex: Lenten Season - important Catholic tradition
Ex: Quinceanos
one of Ambergris Cayes most loved and spectacular events
a "coming out" party for a young girl who turns fifteen
purpose - announce to the community that the young girl was of a marriageable age and informed prospective husbands that the girl was available
Now - still celebrated but . . .
15-year old girls - no longer advertised as fit to wed
Now – act symbolizes girls passage from childhood to adulthood
dressed – elaborate white gown (similar to wedding gown)
girl has escorts and several maids with their escorts, along with her friends and family
held at town's Catholic Church
special mass is held
ring is blessed by priest and presented to girl
courtship and marriages traditions
changed over time
past - young men wanting to marry had to ask for permission from girl's parents to visit her at home in presence of all family members
visits lasted no more than a few hours
Past – girls had to be escorted by parents when attending dances
Now – young people have more freedom
Language
Language: (Ambergris Caye, 2006)
Official language – English
most Belizeans - speak and understand English
main language - still Spanish
Maya – ancestors once spoke, now - no longer spoken
Creole
derived from English language
"Kitchen Spanish"
informal Spanish that incorporates English, Maya and Creole words
Ex: "pullar"
comes from English root "pull" and adds Spanish suffix "ar"
English definition is "pull"
Languages: (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
English
most common language spoken
Creole
2nd most common language spoken
Spanish
becoming more commonly spoken
Garifuna, Mayas, and Mennonites
each have own language.
Languages (Wikipedia, 2006):
Multi-ethnicity = creates unique blend of languages and communication
English - official language (due to British colonization)
80% total population - literate
90% total population - can speak some English
Kriol (Belizean Creole)
most Belizeans - more familiar with Kriol than English
Raucous and playful English-based language that contains colorful terms not usually translatable in English
spoken by nearly everyone in Belize as either first- or second-language
95% total population in Belize City speak Kriol and English
70% total popuation - Kriol is first language
20% total population - speak Creole solely and not English
Spanish
"mother tongue" of Mestizo and Central American settlers
second language for most Belizeans
35% total population - first or second language
60% total population (majority language) in Orange Walk and Corozal Districts
Ancient Maya dialects
Less well known
Garifuna (mix of Spanish, Carib and other languages)
About 80% of Belizeans are literate
+Dutch-German (of the Mennonites)
About 80% of Belizeans are literate
Total languages: (Wikipedia, 2006)
8 different languages
70% of all Belizeans are bilingual or even trilingual (as of 2000 census)
Summary
References
Wikipedia. (2006). Belize. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
Belize Tourism Board. (2006). About Belize. Available: http://www.travelbelize.org/cult.html
Bigelow, B. (no date provided). Lifestyles in Belize, Central America. Avaiable: http://www.peacecorner.org/belize_lifestyles.htm
Ambergris Caye. (2006). Belize Culture. Available:
http://www.goambergriscaye.com/cult.html
Winsor, P. J. T., Hansen, J. (1999). Coming to know as teachers: Learning together in Belize. Reading Teacher, 52 (8), 810-819. Available:
http://0-web.ebscohost.com.darius.uleth.ca/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=108&sid=ac449271-cd67-4d9a-96cb-f54606f6d96f%40sessionmgr103
Government of Belize. (1999). About Belize. Available: http://www.belize.gov.bz/belize/national.html
U.S Department of State. (2005). Background note: Belize. Available: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1955.htm
This week, I have been working on the Belize Literature Review. I have been doing it in Word and I am now pasting it in this blog entry. What I will do from now on is I will just paste the whole thing when its done or just email you the attachment to the Literature Review on Word.
Have a great thanksgiving.
Brad
Introduction
Hook sentence:
Statement of Purpose:
The purpose of this literature review is to provide a concise overview of the culture, language, and community in Belize.
Geography and Physical Features
Country
Population – near 300,000 (Wikipedia, 2006)
eastern coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea (Wikipedia, 2006).
bordered by Mexico to northwest and Guatemala to west and south (Wikipedia, 2006).
parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy - recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as Sovereign (Wikipedia, 2006).
Belize River - Belize's longest river (Wikipedia, 2006).
Belize City - former capital and largest city (Wikipedia, 2006).
only English-speaking country in Central America (Wikipedia, 2006).
British colony for longer than a century (then called British Honduras until 1973) (Wikipedia, 2006).
became an independent nation in 1981 (Wikipedia, 2006).
member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) (Wikipedia, 2006).
considered culturally both Caribbean and Central American
smallest populated non-island sovereign state in Americas (Wikipedia, 2006).
Community
Multiple ethnic groups, language, and cultures (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Multi-racial and multi-ethnic (Wikipedia, 2006)
Ethnic diversity:
Caused by colonization, slavery, and immigration
3 largest groups: Mestizo, and Creole, and Mayan (Wikipedia, 2006).
Ethnic groups (Wikipedia, 2006).
Belize Creole
Garifuna
Mestizo
Maya
Mennonite (Dutch/German farmers)
East Indian/Syrian/Lebanese
East Asian: Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean
Mainland African: Nigeria and elsewhere
Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba etc.
American
Mestizo
mixed ancestry
combines Spanish and Indian heritage
majority of Belizeans
Spanish never established colonies in Belize
Mestizos living here now are mostly refugees from mid-1800's (Wikipedia, 2006).
Creole
2nd largest ethnic group
blend of English settlers and African slaves (although "Creole" is commonly thought of as French origin
tend to live in larger, urban areas (Belize City)
distinctive culture (Wikipedia, 2006).
Mayan
descended from ancient Mayan civilization
estimated that about 2 million Maya lived in Belize
(Wikipedia, * date).
Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Creoles (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
one of the most prominent ethnic groups (30% of total population, 2001
descendants of early British settlers with African slaves
recognized prominently by their values and way of life
2/3 of Creole population reside in Belize City
Creole men have commonly worked in logging
Now commonly work in civil service
Mestizo (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
about 48% of total population
descendants of mixed blood Mexicans and Yucatec Mayans
fled from the Yucatan in the mid 1800's
1840 - settled in Belize in to escape La Guerra de Castas in Yucatan
most occupy northern regions of Corozal and Orange walk and western district of Cayo
integral part of Belizean community
instrumental in growth and progress of the county
Garifuna (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
6.6% of total population
have own language and culture
came to Belize from the Bay Islands of Honduras in 1803
Origin: African slaves, Carib and Arawak Indians
Dominate southern towns of Punta Gorda and Dangriga as well as the villages of Seine Bight, Hopkins, Georgetown, and Barranco
Some also reside in Belize City and Belmopan
Fishing and agriculture traditional occupation
Rituals and traditions - still retained
Yucatec, Mopan, and Kekchi (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
3 Maya groups
Yucatec Maya
originated from Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico
came to Belize in mid-1800’s running from Guerra de Castes (Caste War)
now reside in Corozal, Orange Walk, and Cayo Districts
Now speak English and Spanish rather than native language
Mopan Maya (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Came to Belize in 1886 as flee from taxation and forced labor from the Peten region of Guatemala
Reside in San Antonio Village in Toledo District and other villages in the Cayo District
Kekchi Maya (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
came to Belize in 1870's as flee from enslavement by the German coffee growers in Verapaz, Guatemala
Settled in lowland areas along rivers and streams, forming small isolated villages throughout Toledo
Due to isolation, became most self reliant ethnic group in Belize
peaceful people known for cooperative practices in farming and cultural development
Chinese (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Total population: 6,000
As refugees, fled the Japanese invasion of China just before World War II
Recently - Belizean government initiated economic citizenship program – provided many Taiwanese homes and helped them start businesses and work
East Indians (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
about 2% total population
settled in Belize after Emancipation in 1838
many worked in sugar plantations
spread out over many villages and towns primarily in Corozal and Toledo districts
well integrated into total population
Mennonites (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
1958 – came from Manitoba, Canada, Chihuahua, and Mexico
reside in Orange Walk and Cayo Districts in six main communities: Blue Creek, Shipyard, Little Belize, Progresso, Spanish Lookout and Barton Creek
easily identified by their apparels
women wear bonnets and long dresses
men wear denim overalls and hats
The Mennonites have initiated own school, church, and financial institution
well grounded in agriculture
poultry products and Mennonite-crafted furniture are popular products sold in markets all over Belize.
Well known as hard working people
History of ethnic group settlement (Wikipedia, 2006)
Maya
most established of all ethnic groups
resignated in Belize and Yucatan region since 500's AD
White English and Scottish settlers
1630's
exported logwood
first African slaves began arriving from other countries in Caribbean and Africa and procreated with whites and each other = creating Creole ethnic group
Mestizo (from Mexico and Guatemala)
After 1800 - settled in North Belize
Garifuna
Blend of African and Caribbean
After 1800 - settled in South Belize
Asian (from Mainland China, Taiwan, Syria, Lebanon, and Korea)
After 1900
Central American immigrants and expatriate Americans and Africans
Present ethnic proportions (Wikipedia, 2006):
Mertizos – 50% total population
Creoles - 25%
Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite Dutch/German farmers, Central Americans, whites from America, Africans, and Cubans – remaining 25%
Culture
racial harmony and religious tolerance = successful blend of ethnic, language, culture (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
widespread reputation for its friendly peoples (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
Naturally tolerant, friendly, fun-loving, courteous
greet each other on the street even if they have never meet (Wikipedia, 2006)
At times, not willing to fight for what they want and allow foreigners walk all over them (Wikipedia, 2006).
Music
Punta - most popular genre of Garifuna music
most popular music genre in Belize
Distinctly Afro-Caribbean, and is sometimes said to be ready for international popularization like similarly descended styles (reggae, calypso, merengue, etc) (Wikipedia, 2006).
Brukdown
very popular modern style of Belizean music
evolved out of the music and dance of loggers, especially a form called buru (Wikipedia, *date).
Unique culture
effortlessly blends ethnic groups, languages, religions, and more (Wikipedia, 2006).
Religion
Roman Catholicism
traditionally most common religion
Protestant
2nd most common religion (from English influence)
Recent increase of Chinese and East Indian groups has led to an expansion in the number of religions represented (Wikipedia, *date)
(Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
(Bigelow, no date provided)
Kriol Culture (Bigelow, no date provided)
National Kriol Council of Belize(website)
formed in 1995, non-profit company
Purpose: promote culture and language of Kriol people
harmony among all ethnic groups of Belize
Maya Eco-Cultural System
Attraction in Cayo District
Visitors participate in "full Maya experience"
People search rainforest in search of healing herbs
Elders tell stories about past
Garifuna Village Project (Garifuna community of Punta Gorda) - largest town in the Toledo District
living museum in traditional Garifuna village
restaurant, arts and crafts shop, and artifact museum
Mexican culture: (Ambergris Caye, 2006)
Mexican settlers brought a distinct culture with Spanish, Mayan and Catholic traditions
Many traditions are still followed today
Ex: religious feast days and celebrations
Ex: Lenten Season - important Catholic tradition
Ex: Quinceanos
one of Ambergris Cayes most loved and spectacular events
a "coming out" party for a young girl who turns fifteen
purpose - announce to the community that the young girl was of a marriageable age and informed prospective husbands that the girl was available
Now - still celebrated but . . .
15-year old girls - no longer advertised as fit to wed
Now – act symbolizes girls passage from childhood to adulthood
dressed – elaborate white gown (similar to wedding gown)
girl has escorts and several maids with their escorts, along with her friends and family
held at town's Catholic Church
special mass is held
ring is blessed by priest and presented to girl
courtship and marriages traditions
changed over time
past - young men wanting to marry had to ask for permission from girl's parents to visit her at home in presence of all family members
visits lasted no more than a few hours
Past – girls had to be escorted by parents when attending dances
Now – young people have more freedom
Language
Language: (Ambergris Caye, 2006)
Official language – English
most Belizeans - speak and understand English
main language - still Spanish
Maya – ancestors once spoke, now - no longer spoken
Creole
derived from English language
"Kitchen Spanish"
informal Spanish that incorporates English, Maya and Creole words
Ex: "pullar"
comes from English root "pull" and adds Spanish suffix "ar"
English definition is "pull"
Languages: (Belize Tourism Board, 2006)
English
most common language spoken
Creole
2nd most common language spoken
Spanish
becoming more commonly spoken
Garifuna, Mayas, and Mennonites
each have own language.
Languages (Wikipedia, 2006):
Multi-ethnicity = creates unique blend of languages and communication
English - official language (due to British colonization)
80% total population - literate
90% total population - can speak some English
Kriol (Belizean Creole)
most Belizeans - more familiar with Kriol than English
Raucous and playful English-based language that contains colorful terms not usually translatable in English
spoken by nearly everyone in Belize as either first- or second-language
95% total population in Belize City speak Kriol and English
70% total popuation - Kriol is first language
20% total population - speak Creole solely and not English
Spanish
"mother tongue" of Mestizo and Central American settlers
second language for most Belizeans
35% total population - first or second language
60% total population (majority language) in Orange Walk and Corozal Districts
Ancient Maya dialects
Less well known
Garifuna (mix of Spanish, Carib and other languages)
About 80% of Belizeans are literate
+Dutch-German (of the Mennonites)
About 80% of Belizeans are literate
Total languages: (Wikipedia, 2006)
8 different languages
70% of all Belizeans are bilingual or even trilingual (as of 2000 census)
Summary
References
Wikipedia. (2006). Belize. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
Belize Tourism Board. (2006). About Belize. Available: http://www.travelbelize.org/cult.html
Bigelow, B. (no date provided). Lifestyles in Belize, Central America. Avaiable: http://www.peacecorner.org/belize_lifestyles.htm
Ambergris Caye. (2006). Belize Culture. Available:
http://www.goambergriscaye.com/cult.html
Winsor, P. J. T., Hansen, J. (1999). Coming to know as teachers: Learning together in Belize. Reading Teacher, 52 (8), 810-819. Available:
http://0-web.ebscohost.com.darius.uleth.ca/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=108&sid=ac449271-cd67-4d9a-96cb-f54606f6d96f%40sessionmgr103
Government of Belize. (1999). About Belize. Available: http://www.belize.gov.bz/belize/national.html
U.S Department of State. (2005). Background note: Belize. Available: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1955.htm
posted by Brad | 7:52 PM
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